Abstract
The aim of this mixed-methods exploratory study was to examine the relationship between narcissism, self-esteem and Instagram usage and was motivated by unsubstantiated media claims of increasing narcissism due to excessive use of social networks. A sample of 200 participants responded to an online survey which consisted of the Five Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, and the Instagram Usage, Behaviours, and Affective Responses Questionnaire (IUBARQ) constructed specifically for the purposes of this study. There was only weak evidence for any relationship between narcissism and Instagram usage, suggesting that media concerns are somewhat exaggerated. However the negative correlation between vulnerable narcissism and self-esteem warrants further examination.
Highlights
The aim of this mixed-methods exploratory study was to examine the relationship between narcissism, self-esteem and Instagram usage and was motivated by unsubstantiated media claims of increasing narcissism due to excessive use of social networks
There were differences in how grandiose and vulnerable narcissism related to self-esteem, neither types of narcissism were strongly associated with Instagram usage as identified via the IUBRQ
The Five Factor Narcissism Inventory (FFNI) total score for narcissism was not correlated with self-esteem, vulnerable narcissism was negatively correlated with self-esteem, while grandiose narcissism was positively correlated with self-esteem, albeit at a lower level
Summary
The aim of this mixed-methods exploratory study was to examine the relationship between narcissism, self-esteem and Instagram usage and was motivated by unsubstantiated media claims of increasing narcissism due to excessive use of social networks. Recent research has suggested that young people today are more narcissistic compared to previous generations [1] This statistical increase in scores on narcissism measures has coincided with the introduction, uptake, and widespread use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Narcissists perceive themselves as better than average primarily on traits reflecting agency (e.g., competence), whereas individuals with high self-esteem hold superior beliefs regarding both agency and communal traits In this regard, the self-regulatory strategies employed by narcissists involve seeking attention and admiration by comparing themselves to others, and by defending their competence to others. Given the multiple alternative explanations relating to the relationship between narcissism and self-esteem, this study will contribute to this research by exploring the relationship between these two constructs in the context of social network use
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