#SOCIALANXIETY: THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL ANXIETY ON INSTAGRAM USAGE BEHAVIOUR

Abstract

Among the youth population, the increasing concern of mental health as well as the increasing usage of social media, brings about scrutiny about the relationship between the two. Yet, the literature regarding Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms among the youths remain relatively sparse as compared to other platforms with regards to social anxiety. This study examines how social anxiety influences Instagram usage behaviour and self-disclosure of users aged 18 to 34 via various mediators i.e. social compensation and privacy concern. An online survey of 210 Instagram users indicated that social compensation was a mediator between social anxiety and time spent on Instagram, active Instagram usage, amount and depth of self-disclosure, as well as addiction. Social anxiety predicted privacy concern but privacy concern was not associated with self-disclosure. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research are discussed.