Differentiating Problematic from Habitual Instagram Use

A Uses and Grats 2.0 Perspective

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2414477
AutoresCheng Chen (0000-0002-3583-9370, Elon University, autor correspondente), Olivia Cohen (0000-0003-3042-6558, Elon University), Sundar (0000-0002-5779-8864, Elon University), hyam Sundar
Ano2022
Volume8
Fascículo3
Data de publicação2022-07-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSocial Media + Society (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2056-3051 • E-ISSN: 2056-3051
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/20563051221116339
OpenAlexW4291214184
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas7
Referências citadas55

The popularity of Instagram among young adults has raised concerns about the excessive use of Instagram. Is it the kind of problematic media use that takes over one's life or just habitual ritualized use characterized by mindless scrolling? How can we differentiate between the two based on the use of Instagram features and perceived gratifications from the technology itself? Drawing on the theoretical framework of Uses and Gratifications (U&G) and U&G 2.0, we conducted a survey study ( N = 482) to answer these questions. Our findings show that habitual Instagram use is positively related to the use of lurking- and connection-related features and the gratification of play. By contrast, problematic Instagram use is positively correlated with the use of broadcasting-related features and the gratification of novelty. Theoretical implications for differentiating problematic from habitual Instagram use and practical implications for designing ethical interfaces, which consider the digital well-being of users, are discussed

Gratification · Media use · Novelty · Popularity · Scrolling · Social media · Uses and gratifications theory · World Wide Web · Computer Science · Digital Marketing and Social Media · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Psychology · Social Media and Politics · Social Psychology