An Empirical Study of Instagram Addiction Among University Students in Japan

Abstract

Various problems have been pointed out in the many researchers conducted in relation to internet addiction and social networking service (SNS) addiction. However, few studies have focused on Instagram addiction despite the increasing number of Instagram users in recent years. This study seeks to clarify the relationship between Instagram addiction among university students in Japan and the psychology of internet behaviour. In this study, a questionnaire was conducted with 93 Japanese university students, assuming that psychological status and behaviour in communication on the internet affect Instagram addiction. Young's 20-item Internet Addiction Test was used to measure the degree of Instagram addiction. The scale was modified for application to Instagram addiction: the psychological scale of communication on the internet was previously used in the study of addiction to SNS other than Instagram. As a result of the survey, it became clear that Instagram addiction is correlated to emotional reaction to the internet, consideration for posting expression and a sense of belonging. In addition, it was revealed that use time of Instagram, number of followers and number of followings are correlated with Instagram addiction. Instagram addiction is not correlated with a skill for not caring. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the amount of use of Instagram, the size of Instagram connections, the emotional connection with others and approval desire are related to Instagram addiction.

Young users' social media addiction: causes, consequences and preventions

“…Furthermore, aspects related to self-disclosure on social media have always been a concern for researchers. Social media is a platform where users view contents based on what personality, persona, profile or self-identity they intend to portray (Isada and Isada, 2019). Our review showed that a limited amount of online self-disclosure is needed in order for users to set up and maintain a social media account.…”

“…, 2020; Yang, 2016). Based on this, it can be anticipated that young users, in return, can have private access to information and support needed and, most importantly, will have a sense of belonging (Casale and Fioravanti, 2018; Isada and Isada, 2019).…”

“…Meanwhile, our review showed that young individuals who experience loneliness are generally more likely to turn to online social because of their desire to receive recognition from others (Ponnusamy et al, 2020;Yang, 2016). Based on this, it can be anticipated that young users, in return, can have private access to information and support needed and, most importantly, will have a sense of belonging (Casale & Fioravanti, 2018;Isada & Isada, 2019).…”

Does Thin-Ideal Internalization Increase Adolescent Girls’ Problematic Social Media Use? The Role of Selfie-Related Behaviors and Friendship Quality

“…WeChat Moment, QQ-zone, and Weibo are the three most commonly used social media platforms in China (Liu et al, 2021; Pang, 2022), allowing users to share messages, photos, emoticons, and video clips as well as get “likes” and comments from online or real friends (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2010; Schlosser, 2019). Through these social media sites, adolescents can disclose themselves, get to know more about their friends’ lives and compare themselves with them, gain a momentary experience of positive emotion, and obtain a sense of belonging (Isada & Isada, 2019; Nadkarni & Hofmann, 2012). Its convenience has rendered social media addictive, especially when its use meets the increasing needs of the youth, which can induce problematic social media use among adolescents (Livingstone, 2008; Munno et al, 2017).…”