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June 11, 2026Journal of Technology in Behavioral ScienceOpen Access

Instagram Use and Wellbeing: The Roles of Contingent Self-worth, Upward Social Comparison, and User Motives

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Authors

RLRichard B. LopezEMEmma MoughanSKSophia KOUZNETSOV

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Overview

Randomized trial examines mental health impacts of Instagram use in young adults, suggesting risks and moderating factors.

Key Points

  • The study aims to investigate how psychological factors like contingent self-worth and social comparison influence mental health outcomes related to Instagram use.
  • Analyzed data from two independent samples: college students (N=250) and a general young adult population (N=458).
  • Conducted preregistered analyses on Instagram use, contingent self-worth, and health outcomes.
  • Examined the moderating effect of motives for Instagram use on mental health indicators.
  • Higher Instagram-based contingent self-worth was associated with increased stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
  • Greater upward social comparison tendencies on Instagram correlated with poorer mental health outcomes across both samples.
  • Certain motives for Instagram use moderated the relationship between social comparison tendencies and mental health, leading to increased depressive symptoms.

Cite This Study

Lopez et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2a4ff180c8f91e7f39ca0chttps://doi.org/10.1007/s41347-026-00659-7
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