Social comparisons on Instagram and users' self-esteem. How social media affects our self-perception

Table of Contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Theoretical part: Background and state of research
• 2.1 Research Field Social Psychology
• 2.2 The Self
• 2.3 The social network Instagram
• 2.4 Derivation of the research question and hypotheses
• 3 Methodology
• 3.1 Survey method
• 3.2 Description of the questionnaire
• 3.3 Description of the sample
• 3.4 Evaluation method
• 4 Results
• 4.1 Hypothesis testing and empirical findings
• 4.2 Further findings
• 5 Discussion
• 5.1 Criticism

Objectives and Key Themes

This research investigates the relationship between social comparison processes on Instagram and users' self-esteem. The study uses a quantitative approach to examine how the tendency to engage in self-comparison via Instagram impacts users' state self-esteem. The research aims to contribute to the understanding of the effects of social media on wellbeing and psychological factors.

• The impact of social media usage on self-esteem.
• Social comparison processes on Instagram.
• The relationship between social comparison and state self-esteem.
• The influence of social networks on self-perception.
• Quantitative research methods in social psychology.

Chapter Summaries

1 Introduction: This chapter sets the stage for the research by highlighting the inherently social nature of humans and their need for belonging. It emphasizes the increased opportunities for social comparison provided by digital platforms like Instagram and Facebook, noting the significant rise in their user base. The chapter introduces the research question focusing on the potential effects of social comparison processes within social networks on users' self-esteem, particularly on Instagram due to its recent growth. The chapter concludes by stating the research aim: to investigate the relationship between social comparison on Instagram and self-esteem.

2 Theoretical part: Background and state of research: This chapter lays the theoretical groundwork for the study. It delves into relevant social psychology theories, exploring concepts of the self and the nature of social comparison processes, drawing on the work of Festinger (1954) to establish the prevalence of both conscious and unconscious comparisons. It provides an overview of Instagram as a platform facilitating digital self-presentation and its role in fostering social comparisons. Finally, the chapter derives the research question and hypotheses based on the established theoretical framework. This provides a crucial foundation for understanding the methodology and interpreting the results of the study.

3 Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the study. It describes the use of a quantitative survey method, providing a comprehensive description of the questionnaire utilized to collect data. The chapter outlines the characteristics of the sample population (134 participants aged 16-64), explaining the participant selection process and demographic information. Finally, it outlines the specific statistical methods used for data analysis, providing a clear account of the procedures undertaken to analyze the collected data and test the formulated hypotheses.

4 Results: This chapter presents the findings of the data analysis. It focuses on the hypothesis testing, detailing the empirical findings regarding the relationship between users' tendency to self-compare on Instagram and their state self-esteem. The chapter also explores any unexpected outcomes or additional significant findings that emerged from the analysis. The presentation of results forms the basis for the subsequent discussion and interpretation.

5 Discussion: This chapter critically discusses the results presented in the previous chapter. It explores the implications of the findings in relation to existing research, highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement. This section may also include a critical evaluation of the study's limitations and potential biases, reflecting on the robustness of the methods and the generalizability of the findings. The chapter will likely conclude with suggestions for future research directions based on the identified limitations and intriguing findings.

Keywords

Social comparison, Instagram, self-esteem, social media, social psychology, quantitative research, self-perception, wellbeing, digital self-presentation, social networks.

Frequently Asked Questions: Research on Social Comparison, Instagram, and Self-Esteem

What is the main topic of this research?

This research investigates the relationship between social comparison processes on Instagram and users' self-esteem. It uses a quantitative approach to examine how the tendency to engage in self-comparison via Instagram impacts users' state self-esteem.

What are the key themes explored in this research?

Key themes include the impact of social media usage on self-esteem, social comparison processes on Instagram, the relationship between social comparison and state self-esteem, the influence of social networks on self-perception, and quantitative research methods in social psychology.

What is the research methodology used?

The study employs a quantitative survey method. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 134 participants aged 16-64. Specific statistical methods were used to analyze the data and test the formulated hypotheses.

What are the main findings of the research?

The results chapter presents the findings of the data analysis, focusing on hypothesis testing and the empirical findings regarding the relationship between users' tendency to self-compare on Instagram and their state self-esteem. The chapter also explores any unexpected or additional significant findings.

What are the limitations of the study?

The discussion chapter critically evaluates the study's limitations and potential biases, reflecting on the robustness of the methods and the generalizability of the findings. It also suggests directions for future research.

What is the theoretical framework of the study?

The theoretical part delves into relevant social psychology theories, exploring concepts of the self and the nature of social comparison processes, drawing on the work of Festinger (1954). It provides an overview of Instagram's role in fostering social comparisons.

What is included in the Table of Contents?

The table of contents includes: Introduction, Theoretical Part (Background and State of Research including sections on Social Psychology, The Self, Instagram, and Derivation of Research Question and Hypotheses), Methodology (Survey Method, Questionnaire Description, Sample Description, and Evaluation Method), Results (Hypothesis Testing and Empirical Findings, and Further Findings), and Discussion (including Criticism).

What are the keywords associated with this research?

Keywords include: Social comparison, Instagram, self-esteem, social media, social psychology, quantitative research, self-perception, wellbeing, digital self-presentation, and social networks.

What is the overall aim of the research?

The research aims to contribute to the understanding of the effects of social media on wellbeing and psychological factors, specifically focusing on the relationship between social comparison on Instagram and self-esteem.

Where can I find chapter summaries?

The document provides summaries for each chapter, outlining the key content and focus of each section (Introduction, Theoretical Part, Methodology, Results, and Discussion).