Vittoria Bottinelli

  Faculty of Science and Engineering | Bachelor University College Maastricht

"Is the Grass Really Greener Now? A Study Investigating the Effects of Instagram use on Social  Comparison and Self-Esteem among Emerging Adults at the End of the Acute Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic"

Vittoria's elevator pitch
Instagram offers its users infinite opportunities for social comparison, which inevitably affects self-esteem. In light of the growing use of this platform, the purpose of my thesis was to investigate the effects of Instagram use at the end of the acute stage of the COVID-19 pandemic on social comparison and self-esteem. Overall, the research findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic changed how we approach social media only during periods of social isolation. Hence, the feelings stemming from Instagram use (e.g., lower self-esteem) did not improve after the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings hold several implications both on an academic and societal level, highlighting the need to safeguard individuals’ psychological well-being.