Instagram, Depression, and Dark Flow - Using Social Media as a Maladaptive Coping Mechanism
Abstract
Sara Ahmed and Mike J Dixon
Background: Instagram is a popular social media platform which uses algorithms to tailor content to the specific interests of individual users. We proposed that this tailored content induces a flow state where users become completely absorbed and time passes imperceptibly, creating a highly satisfying experience. For those who use Instagram to escape from depression, Instagram may provide the relief that they seek, but at a cost – neglecting real-life social supports and work/academic commitments. This neglect leads to further problems that prompt greater Instagram dependence.
Methods: Using a repeated-measures design, 114 participants engaged in three conditions (Control, Generalized, and Personalized) for 10 minutes each. Participants answered questions about flow and positive affect (after each condition), as well as their Instagram use habits, depression, reasons for using Instagram, and time spent on Instagram.
Results: We demonstrated that Instagram’s algorithms were effective. Participants experienced significantly greater flow and positive affect when using their tailored-content Instagram compared to a generalized account based on the interests of 30 random users. As evidence for our proposed cycle of dependence, we showed significant associations between depression, flow, and a measure of problematic Instagram use, as well as associations between being motivated to use Instagram to escape problems and problematic Instagram use.
Conclusions: These results suggest that, at least for a subset of individuals with depression, Instagram serves as a maladaptive, escape-coping mechanism which induces flow and elevates mood, but ultimately leads to more problems due to overextended Instagram use.