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Cited by 182Impact of Technology on AdolescentsBody Image and Dysmorphia StudiesMental Health via Writing

The relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health: a systematic review

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Faelens, Lien, Hoorelbeke, Kristof, Cambier, Ruben, van Put, Jill, Van de Putte, Eowyn, De Raedt, Rudi, Koster, Ernst H.W.·2021·Computers in Human Behavior Reports
DOI 10.1016/j.chbr.2021.100121
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Abstract

The rise of Instagram has prompted researchers to examine its effects on mental health, yet an overview of the current literature is missing. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarize research investigating the relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health such as self-reported well-being, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, and indicators of body image and disordered eating. Next, we aimed to provide an overview of possible key psychological variables that may be involved in the relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health, including social comparison, self-esteem, indicators of body image and disordered eating, self-presentation and belonginess factors. Our systematic search on Web of Science and Scopus led to the identification of 93 eligible articles. To sufficiently map the complexity of the relationship between Instagram use and indicators of mental health, we organized the research findings of every variable into four categories: Instagram membership, intensity of Instagram use, type of use and Instagram content and characteristics of Instagram profile. Most evidence has been obtained for the relationships between Instagram use and social comparison, body image, and disordered eating outcomes. Evidence for the relation between Instagram use and the other variables is inconclusive and, for certain constructs, still scarce. Therefore, more longitudinal and experimental research designs are needed to further support and extend these initial findings.

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  • Instagram may influence self-esteem and wellbeing differently than Facebook because it emphasizes visual content like photos and videos.

    “Because Instagram emphasizes visual content like photos and videos, some researchers suggest that it may influence self-esteem and wellbeing differently than platforms such as Facebook (Faelens et al., 2021).”

    From The associations between social comparison on social media and young adults’ mental health (2025) · cites this paper as Faelens et al., 2021

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Authors
Faelens, L., Hoorelbeke, K., Cambier, R., van Put, J., Van de Putte, E., De Raedt, R., & Koster, E. H. W.
Affiliations
Ghent University (BE)
ORCID
Venue
Computers in Human Behavior Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2021-08
Volume
4
Pages
100121
ISSN
2451-9588 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.chbr.2021.100121
OpenAlex
W3186599683
Cited by
182
References
163
Citations by year
2026: 30 · 2025: 49 · 2024: 38 · 2023: 37 · 2022: 25 · 2021: 3
FWCI
4.95
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Computers in Human Behavior Reports (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Ghent University Academic Bibliography (Ghent University) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO.3EO.2018.0031.01)
  • Universiteit Gent (BOF16/DOC/323)
  • Vlaamse regering
  • Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds UGent (BOF16/DOC/323)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health via Writing
Keywords
Instagram, social media use, mental health, social comparison, body image, disordered eating, self-esteem, self-presentation, sense of belonging, depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol and drug use, well-being

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