Psychological Effects of Instagram Social Media Application on Educated Youth

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This research study aims to explore and investigate the psychological effects of the Instagram social media application on the educated youth of Hazara University. Instagram is one of the most powerful and popular social media platforms among young people across the globe. Youth use this application to share and upload content, follow others, and like photos and videos.

Methodology: The study applies the Uses and Gratification Theory, which is highly relevant to the nature of this research. The population of the study consisted of students of Hazara University, and the sample included male and female students from various disciplines. Data were collected using a Likert-scale questionnaire, allowing respondents to select responses based on their personal experiences. The sample size was 200 students. The collected data were quantitatively analysed using SPSS Statistical Software.

Findings: The findings reveal that the majority of the youth at Hazara University frequently use Instagram for uploading photos and videos, often utilizing different filters. The analysis also shows that Instagram usage has several psychological effects on users, including mood swings, difficulty in decision-making, poor sleep quality, and other mental health-related issues. The study further found that prolonged use of Instagram negatively impacts the self-esteem of many students at Hazara University.

Conclusion: It is concluded that Instagram has become a highly popular and frequently used social media application among the educated youth of Hazara University. The platform offers multiple features that enable students to share visual content, interact with peers, and maintain social connections beyond geographical boundaries. These features contribute to its widespread adoption and regular use among university students.