Instagram engagement and well-being: the mediating role of appearance anxiety

Francesca C. Ryding, Lydia J. Harkin and Daria J. Kuss

Behaviour and Information Technology, 2025, vol. 44, issue 3, 446-462

Abstract: Previous research into social networking site (SNS) use and well-being has predominantly focused on time spent online. However, this can often lead to the underestimation of behaviours associated with SNS use, such as how users engage with SNS platforms. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SNS engagement patterns, namely active, passive and problematic usage patterns, and their relationship with anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Appearance anxiety was also examined as a mediating factor between Instagram engagement patterns and the selected well-being patterns. A sample of 290 participants reported their SNS engagement in a cross-sectional psychometric survey. Associations were investigated with markers for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and appearance anxiety. Problematic use was associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and active use was negatively associated with depression. Appearance anxiety was revealed as a significant mediator for passive use on anxiety and depression, as well as for problematic use on anxiety and depression. Findings indicate problematic and passive usage patterns to have negative impacts regarding anxiety and depression symptomology, in addition to highlighting the role of appearance anxiety on well-being outcomes, contributing towards a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms associated with Instagram usage and well-being.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2024.2323078

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