Use of Instagram by Pre-Service Teacher Education: Smartphone Habits and Dependency Factors

Abstract

It is increasingly common to upload photographs on the Internet of sports practices carried out. However, this behavior can be related to smartphone addiction, which has become a global problem. In turn, the intensive use of the Instagram social network has begun to be linked to addictive behaviors on mobile devices. The purposes of this paper were to analyze the Instagram usage habits of future primary school teachers, to determine the influence of sociodemographic factors on intensive Instagram use and smartphone addiction, and to determine the influence of intensive Instagram use on smartphone addiction. For this purpose, a transversal design was adopted where two standardized scales were applied to a sample of university students of the Primary Education Degree of the University of Granada, Spain (n = 385). The results showed that the type of image most uploaded to this social network was the selfie, well above sport. Furthermore, the structural equation model highlighted the significant influence of the intensive use of Instagram and smartphone addiction. Finally, the implications and findings of this study are discussed, highlighting the importance of generating healthy habits regarding the use of technology.

Do Age and Educational Stage Influence No-Mobile-Phone Phobia?

“…However, the findings found so far indicate that we are dealing with a pathology caused by the irrational and uncontrolled use of mobile devices. Such are the risks of nomophobia that certain sectors of society are beginning to indicate that we are facing a possible public health problem [ 8 , 29 ], being considered a disease of the 21st century [ 30 , 31 , 32 ], which in many cases requires drugs and psychological treatment to minimize the effects of addiction, and in the best of cases, to root it out [ 5 ]. Even today, there have been cases in which nomophobia causes physical problems [ 33 ], such as carpal tunnel syndrome [ 34 ], or physiological problems [ 35 ], focusing on sleep disorders and lack of rest [ 36 ].…”

A descriptive literature review of phubbing behaviors

“…For instance, “the use of social networks such as Instagram is becoming increasingly associated with addiction to mobile devices. This has led to the fact that smartphone addiction has begun to be linked to various physical problems and psychosocial disorders” ( Romero-Rodríguez et al., 2020 , p.2). The results also show a predominance of studies in the field of psychology with specific approaches to self-esteem where studies such as that of Hinojo-Lucena et al.…”

Future Primary School Teachers’ Digital Competence in Teaching Science through the Use of Social Media

“…This social media network appeared in 2010 as an app for mobile phones in which users could upload and share photos and videos. Its popularization and extension of use was rapid and focused on the young population [54]. By adding the images that users want to add to their account, various tools are available to edit photos, locations can be added, and other users can be allowed access or tagged on the network.…”