ArticleBMC psychology2022
University students' views on the impact of Instagram on mental wellbeing: a qualitative study.
Article in BMC psychology, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Perceptions on mental health and depression by adolescents, a systematic review of qualitative studies.BMC public health · 2025Pooled it
- Cultural foundations of university student well-being: a grounded theory study of a multidimensional framework in Indonesia.BMC psychology · 2026Article
- Use of Instagram and its effect on the mental well-being of university students: A perspective from Pakistan.PLOS global public health · 2026Article
- Moral disengagement and empathy in cyberbullying: how they are related in reflection activities about a serious game.BMC psychology · 2024Article
- Health Benefits of Social Media Use in Adolescents and Young Adults.Current pediatrics reports · 2024Review
- Perceptions and Experiences of Undergraduate Students Regarding Social Media as a Tool for Government COVID-19-Related Messages: A Qualitative Study in Nottingham, UK.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2023Article
- Eating Concerns Associated with Nutritional Information Obtained from Social Media among Saudi Young Females: A Cross-Sectional Study.International journal of environmental research and public health · 2022Article
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2 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundIn the UK, undergraduate students are considered highly susceptible to mental ill-health, with current figures indicating a 94% increase in the demand for university counselling services in the last five years alone. Whilst the cause of this increase is currently undetermined, current evidence speculates that social media may be a contributing factor. Recent quantitative literature has determined that Instagram can negatively impact mental wellbeing. However, limited studies have been conducted among undergraduate student students, a population with the highest proportion of Instagram use by age, compared to the general public. Furthermore, no current research has qualitatively explored how and why Instagram has an impact on mental wellbeing. This study therefore aimed to identify UK university students' understanding of the term 'mental wellbeing' and explore university students' views on the impact of Instagram on their mental wellbeing.
methods16 undergraduate students (56.3% female, mean age 19.8 years, age range 18-23 years) who were fluent in English and used Instagram took part in semi-structured interviews. Participants were excluded if they no longer used Instagram or were unable to give written informed consent. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify codes and themes within the dataset.
resultsFive key themes were identified; knowledge of mental wellbeing, social connectivity, the Instagram ideal, social acceptance through quantitative data and cyberbullying. Students had a basic understanding of the term mental wellbeing and correctly associated productivity and accepting life's adversities with the term. However, students often misinterpreted happiness and good mental health as a state of wellbeing. Whilst students perceived Instagram as positive for the development and maintenance of friendships, they also believed Instagram negatively impacted their wellbeing through the presentation of ideals, the presence of cyberbullying and the search for social acceptance.
conclusionsThis research reveals multiple implications for Instagram use on the mental wellbeing of undergraduate students. It is therefore essential for university counselling services to address Instagram use in consultations with students. Further research exploring the extent of cyberbullying on Instagram and the effects of presenting an idealistic life on wellbeing is necessary.
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