%0 Journal Article
%@ 1438-8871
%I JMIR Publications
%V 26
%N 
%P e51957
%T Exploring the Relationship Between Instagram Use and Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Body Dissatisfaction in the Spanish Population: Observational Study
%A Varaona,Andrea
%A Alvarez-Mon,Miguel Angel
%A Serrano-Garcia,Irene
%A Díaz-Marsá,Marina
%A Looi,Jeffrey C L
%A Molina-Ruiz,Rosa M
%+ Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, C/19, Carretera Madrid-Barcelona, Km 33,600, Alcalá de Henares, 28805, Spain, 34 918854503, maalvarezdemon@icloud.com
%K Instagram
%K self-compassion
%K self-esteem
%K self-criticism
%K self-worth
%K body dissatisfaction
%K dissatisfaction
%K satisfaction
%K appearance
%K psychological
%K social media
%K body
%K mental health
%K mental wellbeing
%K Spain
%K Spanish
%K Hispanic
%K depression
%K depressive
%K usage
%K correlation
%K association
%D 2024
%7 1.8.2024
%9 Original Paper
%J J Med Internet Res
%G English
%X Background: The widespread use of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users’ psychological well-being. Instagram (Meta), a visually oriented platform, has garnered significant attention. Prior research has consistently indicated that Instagram usage correlates with heightened levels of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem. Perfectionism is closely linked to self-criticism, which entails an intense self-scrutiny and is often associated with various psychopathologies. Conversely, self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of perfectionism and stress, while fostering greater positive affect and overall life satisfaction. Objective: This study investigates the relationship between Instagram usage (time of use and content exposure) and users’ levels of self-compassion, self-criticism, and body dissatisfaction. Methods: This study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50 years, either native to Spain or residing in the country for at least a decade. Each participant completed a tailored questionnaire on Instagram usage, along with abbreviated versions of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, spanning from January 23 to February 25, 2022. Results: A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and self-criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over 3 hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours per day. Contrary to previous findings, no significant relationship was detected between Instagram usage time and levels of self-compassion or body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, content centered around physical appearance exhibited a positive correlation with self-criticism and body dissatisfaction scores. Among younger participants (aged 18-35 years), those who primarily viewed beauty or fashion content reported higher self-criticism scores than those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50 years. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports or fitness or family or friends content exhibited higher levels of body dissatisfaction than those focusing on science-related content. No significant associations were observed between self-compassion scores and daily Instagram usage or most-viewed content categories. Conclusions: The findings of this study underscore the considerable impact of Instagram usage on self-criticism and body dissatisfaction—2 variables known to influence users’ psychological well-being and be associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders. 
%M 39088263
%R 10.2196/51957
%U https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e51957
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/51957
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39088263