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Scrolling until Satisfaction : Exploring the Influence of Instagram Use and Reward Sensitivity on Well-being among Young People

Akremi, H.A. (2024) Scrolling until Satisfaction : Exploring the Influence of Instagram Use and Reward Sensitivity on Well-being among Young People.

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Abstract:Instagram is indispensable in today's era of social media, as over 2.4 billion users, especially young ones, spend their time on this platform daily. They engage with Instagram for reasons such as communicating with others. Young people, who are the most vulnerable age group to negative effects, face risks from using Instagram in regards to their well-being. However, Instagram also has features that can enhance well-being, like getting positive feedback. Further, a body of literature revealed that well-being depends on factors, such as passive and active use, and reward sensitivity. To explore this dynamic, a study was conducted in which three hypotheses were made. Firstly, this study expected users, who are passively engaging on instagram, to get negative effects on their well-being. Secondly, well-being is being positively impacted, if the user is active. And finally, high reward sensitivity negatively moderates the relationship between high passive use and well-being. For the study, a quantitative online survey was created in which 216 participants took part. The focus was on 18-34 year olds. Participants scored moderate to high on all four variables: passive use, active use, reward sensitivity and well-being. The results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between active use and well-being (p = .005). However, an insignificant relationship between passive use and well-being (p = .348). Also no significant moderation effect with high reward sensitivity (p = .143). The MHC–SF showed a few limitations, such as its broadness. Future research should focus more on other potential factors such as psychological traits.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/98076
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