List of Contents
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- Subject Information
- Presenting Problem
- Methodology of Observation
- Intervention
- Outcomes and Followup
- Discussion
- Ethical Consideration
- Conclusion
- References
1. Abstract
This case study explores the psychological impact of social media use on a 17-year-old female student who exhibited anxiety symptoms related to Instagram usage. It examines how features such as curated content, social comparison, and algorithmic feedback loops contribute to the development of low self-esteem and emotional dysregulation. The case is discussed through the lens of Social Comparison Theory and FoMO (Fear of Missing Out), with insights for early intervention.
2. Keywords
Social Media Anxiety · Instagram · Adolescents · Social Comparison · Cyberpsychology · FoMO · Digital Wellbeing
3. Introduction
With the increasing integration of social media into adolescent life, cyberpsychologists have begun to examine the complex interplay between digital environments and mental health. Instagram, a visually driven platform, often becomes a medium for identity shaping, social comparison, and validation seeking. This case study documents the experiences of a teenage user whose emotional well-being was significantly affected by her Instagram interactions.
4. Subject Information
Pseudonym: Aanya
Age: 17
Gender: Female
Location: Urban India
Device Usage: Smartphone (6–7 hours/day), with Instagram accounting for ~4 hours.
Clinical Background: No formal psychological diagnosis. Occasional anxiety related to academic performance.
5. Presenting Problem
Aanya approached the school counselor due to:
Persistent anxiety after scrolling through Instagram.
Compulsive mirror-checking behavior.
Decreased self-esteem after comparing herself with influencers.
Difficulty focusing on studies.
Mood fluctuations, irritability, and avoidance of social events.
She reported deleting and reposting photos multiple times, obsessing over “likes,” and using beauty filters to match perceived beauty standards.
6. Methodology of Observation
Structured interviews with the subject and the parent.
Digital behavior logs (self-reported screen time and emotional journaling).
Content analysis of followed pages and saved reels.
Psychoeducational assessment through digital wellness scales (unpublished, qualitative).
7. Intervention
Digital Literacy Counseling
Psychoeducation on algorithmic behavior and curated realities.
Digital Detox Plan (14 Days)
Monitored and supported by counselor and parent.
Positive Feed Re-Design
Unfollowing accounts triggers comparison.
Following body positivity, mental health advocates, and wellness creators.
Emotional Regulation Training
Journaling after screen use.
Breathing and grounding exercises before sleep.
Offline Engagement Promotion
Yoga, reading challenges, and local volunteering.
8. Outcome and Follow-up
After two months of intervention:
Daily Instagram use reduced to under 2 hours.
Self-esteem scores (qualitatively assessed) showed improvement.
Physical symptoms of anxiety (nausea, restlessness) subsided.
Aanya gave a school presentation on “Social Media and Self-Worth”—marking restored confidence.
9. Discussion
This case supports the Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) in a digital context. Instagram’s highlight-reel structure encourages upward social comparison, particularly in adolescents whose identity is still forming. Aanya’s behavior also reflected FoMO, driven by the illusion of others leading better or more exciting lives.
Algorithmic reinforcement further sustained this loop—showing her more content she engaged with emotionally, including beauty influencers and transformation videos. As such, the platform acted as a psychological mirror, amplifying self-doubt and anxiety.
10. Ethical Considerations
Names and identifiable details have been changed.
The subject and parent gave informed verbal consent for using the anonymized experience for educational publication.
This case is intended to raise awareness and is not diagnostic or prescriptive.
11. Conclusion
This case illustrates the critical role of cyberpsychology in understanding adolescent well-being in digital contexts. It emphasizes the need for early digital literacy, conscious media consumption, and emotional education among young users. Future interventions could benefit from integrating AI-based wellness tools for proactive guidance.
📚 References
Festinger, L. (1954). A theory of social comparison processes. Human Relations, 7(2), 117–140.
Przybylski, A. K., et al. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior, 29(4), 1841–1848.
Chou, H. T. G., & Edge, N. (2012). “They are happier and having better lives than I am”: The impact of using Facebook on perceptions of others’ lives. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 15(2), 117–121.
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