#InstagramObsessed : the effects of Instagram on self-objectification

In two studies, the current research aimed to understand how Instagram usage affects its user’s self-objectifying thoughts, positive and negative emotions, and general well-being. Objectification Theory was used to motivate this research goal. Study 1 focused on the general population using a sample from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk and Study 2 focused on a smaller population from an all-women’s college. Study 2 used a daily-diary methodology to investigate the effects of Instagram use on a daily basis. The results of Study 1 showed more Instagram use was related to higher public self-consciousness. Study 2 found a positive relationship between daily Instagram use and daily state self-objectification, and a positive relationship between daily state self-objectification and negative consequences. Overall, the results of both studies showed that Instagram use has some effect on self-objectification which, in turn, can lead to negative consequences