Abstract
This paper explores how Social Networking Sites (SNS), with specific reference to Instagram communities, are changing the way humans communicate, which in turn is changing the entire inner workings of our social lives and how we conceptualise and understand “the self”. Drawing on a number of academics, this paper brings together notions of “self-promotional behaviours” and ‘narcissism” (Moon et al., 2016), the ways Instagram is serving as a new platform for “creative self-enterprise” (Duffy and Hund, 2015), the reflection of capitalist ideals through the notion of “self-branding” (Khamis, Ang and Welling, 2016) and lastly, the influence of social media’s fitness culture on perceptions of beauty and body image (Norton, 2017). These interconnected notions explain how Instagram communities are deeply affecting young women’s expectations of happiness and success through self presentation which largely emphasises living the “ideal” life.
Keywords: Instagram communities, self-branding, capitalism, self-esteem, young women, expectations
Introduction
Over the past 15 or so years, a great number of academics and industry researchers have begun discussing the affects of Social Networking Sites (SNS) on social life and human communication. SNS, as we know them today, came to fruition in 2004, when Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) launched his soon-to-be billion dollar site at Harvard University (Thompson, 2008, p.1). Since then, SNS have provided a new platform and space for a new form of self presentation, as well as forming and maintaining relationships (Moon, et al., 2016, p.22). One study suggests that users of the SNS, Instagram, tend to post photos of their “ideal” self, always looking photo-ready whilst out enjoying leisurely activities, which is inherently problematic as it creates unrealistic expectations of day-to-day activities and duties, as well as what it means to be happy and successful (Moon, et al., 2016, p.22). In this paper, I argue that Instagram communities shape young women’s expectations and understanding about happiness and success through self presentation which largely emphasizes living the “ideal” life. Firstly I will discuss Moon’s (2016) article around the self-promotional behaviour of Instagram users and its connection with narcissism which will help in providing an understanding of the dominant demographic of Instagram users. Secondly, I will be introducing Duffy and Hund’s (2015) ideas around Instagram serving as a new platform for women to create income streams while maintaining their femininity and sense of empowerment. Thirdly, I will be introducing the significance of Capitalism in the context of the “self-branding” phenomenon seen on Instagram through looking at an article by Khamis, Ang and Welling (2016), and lastly, I will be discussing Norton’s (2017) analysis of Instagram’s fitness culture and how it affects body image and self-esteem. Furthermore, the discussion will include the limitations to each of these articles in hope of providing a holistic argument.
Literature Review
As mentioned in the introduction, Moon et al. (2016) discuss the self-promotional behaviours of Instagram users and the suggested correlation with the personality trait narcissism, a term which refers to inflated self image and feelings of superiority over others (Lee, 2004, p.4). The study shows that people who show a higher propensity for narcissism spend more time in online communities participating in self-promotional activities for example, posting “selfies” (Moon, et al., 2016, p.24), a colloquial term referring to the “self-portrait photograph” coined in the early 2000’s in Australia (The Guardian, 2013). This study helps to create an understanding of the sorts of people who are the dominant users of Instagram. We can see how these people form a “distorted self-concept” in an attempt to elevate their perceived status (Moon et al. 2016, p.22). Moon et al. (2016, p.22) highlighted that this was seen to be driven by feelings of low self-esteem which is particularly interesting as one would think that low-self esteem would not be closely associated with narcissistic behaviours. Moon et al. (2016, p. 22) propose that their research shows that close to half of the photos posted on to Instagram are “selfies” or photos of the users with their friends. The study found that the frequency at which the photos were posted lead back to the link between people spending significant amounts of time in online communities on social media, and narcissism. I argue this highlights the problematic nature of the influence of Instagram communities on self esteem and body image. This particular analysis of the personality trait narcissism and its close relationship with promotional online behavior could be used as a way of understanding what is at the core of what is shaping young women’s expectations about body image and beauty. In addition, Linnebach (2004, p.3) uses the term “socio-cultural epidemic” to refer to unrealistic beauty standards which are affecting how women perceive themselves in relation to this beauty standard. I argue using the term “epidemic” is powerful in understanding the magnitude of this issue in today’s society.
Similarly, Duffy and Hund (2015, p.1) look into the notion of “having it all” and how Instagram has become a new platform for women, in particular, to create income streams through “creative modes of self-enterprise” for example, the rise of micro-celebrities and fashion bloggers. They argue that Instagram has evidently been a place where women can build lucrative careers, based at home, whilst maintaining their femininity, sense of individuality, and empowerment; however, the enterprise has done little to reconcile or tackle issues on the gender and race inequalities prevalent on the app (Duffy and Hund, 2015). This was noted by there being a serious underrepresentation of “women of colour, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals, as well as plus size models” in photos (Duffy and Hund, 2015). I would argue that these issues of gender and race inequality, all add to the pressures which exist because of the Western hegemonic heteronormative expectations in these online communities. Anecdotally, I can attest this through my own observations of the popular images on Instagram being white, straight, skinny and attractive individuals. Furthermore, Duffy and Hund (2015) argue that there are limitations to consider in the analysis of the rise of “creative self-enterprise” and that individuals must be critical when thinking about online SNS such as Instagram. Their concluding thoughts also suggested that these women, and the content of their blogs and profiles, are inherently driven by the capitalist agenda, constraining them by ensuring that they maintain the role of the blind consumer (Duffy and Hund, 2015, p. 9).
As we can see, Capitalism thrives, still, as the under current of even the most creative and independent careers. Khamis, Ang and Welling (2016) address this by seeking to conceptualize the term “self-branding” within the bounds of the Capitalist system. The term “self-branding” refers to the idea of selling one’s public image for commercial gain and/or social/cultural capital (Khamis, Ang, and Welling, 2016, p.123). Like Duffy and Hund (2015), the authors make connections between the idea of advanced consumer capitalism, marketing, and “self-branding” in these online spaces, such as Instagram. The paper looks at the rise of term “self-branding” as a reflection of the “uncertain labour markets” and a way in which neo-liberal governance encourage people to see themselves as entrepreneurial, money making subjects (Khamis, Ang, and Welling, 2016, p.201). I would argue that this correlates with what Duffy and Hund (2015) suggest as being essentially just another form of consumerism in an advanced capitalist society. Moreover, Ziółkowski (2004) writes on the topic of the commodification of social life and in particular, Marx’s introduction of the term “commodity fetishism” which he used in reference to the commodification of the workforce (2004, p.387). I believe there can be a connection made between Marx’s theory of “commodity fetishism” and the aforementioned notion of “self-branding”. Lastly, I would like to bring in an article which provides a good example of how influential Instagram communities can be in shaping the expectations of young women’s ideas about beauty and success. Norton (2017) addresses this issue by analysing social media’s fitness culture and the effects it has on body image and self esteem. He begins by highlighting the fact that on the surface, “fitspiration” and motivational health blogs do exactly what their names entail, inspire fitness; however, “like everything in the media” (2017, p. 6), there is always a person behind the message who may or may not be taking into account social and cultural diversity. Norton (2017, p.6) argues that this can create feelings of low self-esteem and negative body image among, particularly, women (even those who are not categorised as belonging to a minority group). However, this can also be seen in Instagram communities with predominantly men as members (bodybuilders), which Norton (2017, p.6) suggests is due to feelings of inadequacy and discouragement which is seen as a natural response to the unrealistic facade many people create. Following on from this, Social psychologist, Leon Festinger, proposed that people will build perceptions of themselves by comparing their image and their “success” to others, which can be problematic as this is generally done in a way of “upward social comparison” (Norton, 2017, p.16). This type of comparison, that encourages an individual to compare themselves to someone who they perceive to be better, is certainly not uncommon on social media, despite being seriously damaging (Norton, 2017, p.17).Norton (2017, p.7) uses examples such as people obsessing over their body image for the sake of appearance in the form of self-destructive eating and exercise habits. Conversely, the article also mentions that “fitspiration” does allow for people to connect with one another in online communities which provides a level of social support as well as encouragement and motivation (Norton, 2017, p. 27). Despite this, the repercussions (negative effects on body image) must be accounted for. Norton (2017, p.26-27) makes quick mention of how this can be done through “media literacy”, which “aims to educate people on how to better access, analyze, evaluate, and create media”, something that I would argue could be a useful focus for further research into how we, both as individuals and as a society, can be better equipped in dealing with the effects of social media and online social networks such as Instagram.
Discussion
All four articles raise some important questions around the SNS Instagram and its effects on how young women perceive beauty, happiness, and success. However, there are some limitations to each of these studies that are certainly cause for further questioning. Before going into the technological constraints, demographic factors, and issues of modality, I would like to make note of a shared limitation that I came across in all four articles; information inadequacy. Although the scope of research into the effects social media and new computer mediated technologies is expanding, there is certainly room for further research into how the younger generation are being impacted and how the “context” and “affordances” of these technologies are changing the way people develop their “self-concept” (Moon et al. 2016, p.22) and identity (Brown, 2016).
Technological limitations. The Moon et al. (2016) and the Norton (2017) studies both collected their data via online surveys, in comparison to Duffy and Hund (2015) who developed a varied data collection method. I would argue that limiting oneself to only one form of collecting data/information would in turn impede the research parameters and sample size, providing limited data for discussion. Duffy and Hund (2015); however, used a variety of different methods including: the coding of “about me” sections, “strategically” gathering photos and conducting in depth interviews, all of which make for a more holistic analysis and conclusion.
Demographic limitations. Again, the Moon et al. (2016) study was conducted in Korea, which very quickly narrows the scope of the research and lessens the validity of the findings. Furthermore, the only research conducted where there was mention of the affects on men, was the Norton (2017) article. The other articles focused solely on women, as a demographic, when the issue is not confined to women but can affect men as well.
Modality limitations. The Khamis, Ang, and Welling (2016) article did not provide any quantitative data which I would argue had an influence on the impact of their argument. The other articles provided both qualitative and quantitative data which further reinforced their argument, for example, the collection of both interview and survey data as well as a foundation in academic research.
Conclusion and Future Study
Throughout this conference paper I have discussed Instagram as a space for a new form of self-presentation. I have critically analysed four academic articles which have helped in developing my argument further and reinforcing ideas on the influence of the Instagram community in particular. The first article by Moon et al. (2016) discussed the role of narcissism in Instagram users, they concluded that the more frequently people post photos, the higher the levels of narcissism; however, the motivation for posting photos frequently, was to receive positive feedback and to elevate one’s own perceived status as compensation for low self-esteem. The second article by Duffy and Hund (2015) highlights the fact that Instagram has allowed for women to work in lucrative careers through self-promotion, based at home. The authors then go on to explain that although this may seem like a “win” for feminism and women in general, there is an obvious agenda which is driven by capitalist ideals, which keeps the women ignorant to their own oppression, grounded in consumption. Khamis, Ang and Welling (2016), further reinforce this notion by looking at how even the language used e.g. “self-branding” could be seen as way the neo-liberal agenda has crept into the social media discourse, making sure people remain ignorant and unconcerned with the power of consumption and the influence it has on their day-to-day lives. Lastly, Norton’s (2017) paper highlighted the affects of fitness blogs on self-esteem and body image. This article was particularly interesting as it not only provided a take on “fitspiration” that underpinned the negative aspects and influence it can have, but also touched on the ways that people can avoid developing negative feelings about their body image or self esteem. All four articles raised some important points surrounding the volatile and highly influential nature of the app. Moreover, they all reinforced my argument by providing evidence which suggested that Instagram communities can shape young women’s expectations and understanding about what it means to be beautiful and live a happy, healthy, and successful life. Finally, as I discussed briefly above, there were evidently some limitations to each study that I argue could certainly be improved on for future research, an example of this could be expanding the data collection parameters to gain a broader understanding of the SNS.
References
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Hi Amaya,
I really enjoyed reading this paper! As someone who uses Instagram every day (and whose friends also use Instagram every day), I absolutely agree that Instagram has shaped how we perceive beauty and success. To me, it seems even more influential than mass media because it’s framed as “real life” – even though, as you mentioned, in most cases, you are only seeing the highlights.
I found your comment on the links between Instagram users and narcissism very interesting. I agree with you that the notion of people who post selfies on Instagram being “narcissists” is problematic, because studies have shown that portraying an idealised version of oneself on social media often stems from low self-esteem – which doesn’t align with narcissism, as far as I’m aware.
I also love that you mentioned the underrepresentation of non-white, LGBTQI+ and plus-size people on Instagram. It’s unfortunate that while Instagram allows people of all kinds to share content, those with the most followers – and who therefore tend to pop up on people’s feeds – are disproportionately white, thin, and able-bodied (i.e. conventionally attractive).
I’m curious to hear how you think young women should respond to and/or combat the issues that you’ve raised. Perhaps by spending less time on Instagram, following more diverse influencers, or having more conversations about how what we see on Instagram are only tiny snippets of people’s lives?
Looking forward to hearing your ideas,
Kelsey
Hi Kelsey,
Yes! I’m so glad. I really felt like this topic would have hit home for a few people doing the conference!
I think Instagram culture is quite volatile for this reason and continues to be something that is increasingly ‘taken for granted’. However, something that I did not mention in my paper which I feel could have been worth mentioning was the “backlash” to the careful curation of peoples’ profiles – people posting photos of themselves ‘revealing’ the ‘real’ them in contrast to the ‘curated self'(I’m sure you have come across this!). In saying this, I still stand by my point about Instagram, in a sociological sense, being a vehicle for the neo-liberal agenda within a capitalist system. ‘Tricking’ us into believing we are free agents… This may seem overly critical but I really believe that we need to be less complacent with technologies and innovations that appear seamless.
In terms of responding to this issue, I feel like the most important thing we can do is teaching young adults about ‘media literacy’. We need to equip them with the right conceptual frameworks and analytical tools to be critical of the nature of social media platforms and perhaps at the level of the individual, users of Instagram and really any social media platform, SHOULD definitely make an effort to follower more diverse influencers. However, this cannot happen until people become more aware (media literate).
Thank you for taking the time to read my paper!
Amaya
Hi Amaya,
You were right – it did! Oh yes, I am aware of the backlash. Do you remember the Essena O’Neill fiasco from a couple of years ago? (If you don’t, here’s a reminder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmAbwTQvWX8). I think your stance on Instagram and neo-liberalism and capitalism is strong but valid. Especially since Instagram is just as much a marketing tool as it is a social networking site, and is therefore at least partially rooted in capitalism.
You took the words right out of my mouth! Media literacy is absolutely the key, in my opinion. It is important for people (especially young, impressionable teenagers) to have a firm understanding that what they see on Instagram is curated – often for the personal/financial profit of the poster – and should not be taken at face value.
Kelsey
Hi Amaya,
Thank you for sharing your paper, you made a really strong argument and i enjoyed reading it! I had never search the selfie# on Instagram until i read your paper. I was surprised once i had at how heavily curated all the posts were, i was expecting a lot more ‘everyday’ people to be using the platform but it didn’t appear that way.
I completely agree with you that Instagram is just another form of capitalist media, quickly becoming mass media and as you and Kelsey say, its important for the wider population to understand this.
I feel that some of the arguments towards lack of LGBT, race and plus size presence would be hard to make. Given this is a “media” channel that is based on audience engagement via algorithms & interactions I would imagine it would be hard to argue a bias towards a particular demographic…as the audience decides on the popularity of posts. Its not like TV in which one producer decides on content – Instagram has a mass of content producers. Perhaps this is just more of a reflection of the user demographic, both content creators and content consumers? I am not sure of Instagrams popularity outside of Western cultures… are you?
Cheers
Jacinta
Hi Jacinta!
Thank you, I appreciate that. It’s pretty crazy huh! And Unfortunately it’s not the sort of thing you often think about until you begin to question dominant ideologies and norms.
I can definitely see how there would be gaps in that argument on its own. However, I think the point to make is that there is a definite under representation of racial and gender diversity within these Western cultures more broadly, whether that be because of algorithms on social media or mass content producers in the media, it still exists non the less. I hope that was an appropriate response haha!
Thank you!
Amaya 🙂
Hi Amaya,
Great paper! It’s so relevant to the issues women and even girls are faced with now, especially in the beauty sector. I see it first hand, having a young sister and young cousins which all are very consumed by Instagram and the beauty bloggers they look up to and compare themselves to. Although it is inspiring, my opinion is that it can be very detrimental, in a way that comparing themselves to these ‘pretty, fit, gorgeous’ girls on Instagram, that it will lower self-esteem and make them feel not good about themselves. I very much enjoyed your explanation on Norton’s (2017) paper, explaining the fitness industry and community on Instagram and how it can pose a negative effect. On my own paper I talk about fitness communities in a slightly different way – more as a way of users and Instagram accounts to collaborate and connect with each other so they can each reach their goals. Although, I very much agree with what you’re saying, and what the authors have mentioned in your paper.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Hi Gulz!
Just read and commented on your paper! Very enjoyable and informative and some aspects were definitely related to my paper!
I’m glad that you could relate to my paper on a personal level, that was my aim, to attract an audience of people who know first hand the negative effects of Instagram on well-being, if nothing else, to spark thought on a more critical level.
I found Norton’s (2017) article the most interesting actually! I felt that really spoke to what I was trying to argue. I definitely use Instagram daily and am by no means judgemental of others who use it in this way (each to their own); however, I definitely find myself being more critical and aware of MY usage and the sorts of people I follow. I think, as I said at the end of my paper, that this is how we should be tackling the negative effects of Instagram especially on young women.
Thank you for taking the time to read it 🙂
Amaya
Hey Amaya! Thanks for sharing a paper that is so relevant in our everyday insta-life. I must be a narcissist because I love a selfie to be quite honest. I definitely think I can resinate with the reasons behind why people behaviour this way online – low-self esteem etc. In saying this, I think on the contrary it can be empowering in building confidence and a bit of self love – though this depends on the individuals willingness and ability to recognise their own beauties. Though Instagram can be such a volatile place for some, to others it can be a source of inspiration and self love. My example here is the Insta-fitness industry. To some, the representation of what may be seen as unrealistic body expectations can affect other’s own self-image negatively. But for other’s, they may see realism in these posts and strive towards a healthier lifestyle. Here’s an article on how Instagram is spurring a big shift in the fitness industry: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/instagram-is-spurring-the-biggest-shift-the-fitness-world-has-seen-in-decades-a6990001.html
Do you agree that Instagram has the potential for good, and do you think this good is realistic for everyone?
Hey Jarrod!
Hahaha, I feel like everyone has the potential to be a bit narcissistic, even me! 😉
I completely agree, my paper seems quite cynical, but I just wanted to shed light on the side to Instagram that needs to be a topic of discussion in this day and age. I feel like it has been increasingly romanticised and blindly accepted by young women (and men!) which, in sociological terms, is cause for concern. As sociologists, our job is to pick apart dominant ideologies and social norms and understand how they fit and influence society as whole, so in this paper, I have tried to do so!
I completely agree with you in that “fitspiraton”, more so than beauty orientated blogs in my opinion, have a significantly more positive effect on people’s mental health and well-being.
Thank you!!
Amaya :—–)
Thanks for commenting back! I agree that definitely this side of Instagram needs to be critiqued to allow the platform to grow and have further potential to impact peoples lives more positively. I think you have done very well in that regard, just wanted to challenge you a little. Do you think the platform itself has the ability to control this or manage the way in which it may affect individuals negatively? or does this need to be maintained beyond the walls of Instagram?
Absolutely! And thank you 🙂
That is an interesting question to be honest, I don’t think I have the expertise to comment on such a thing in detail; however, I feel if anything were done to “control” or “regulate” the platform, it would be going against everything that the internet is about and represents, the free sharing of information. So perhaps, maintaining this particular issue beyond the walls of Instagram is the most useful way to go. As soon as something becomes regulated like that, it is immediately subject to power and control, which is certainly common, but not necessarily the best outcome.
Thank you! (Actually getting into this ;)) Haha!
I think I’d have to have to agree with you there. Control and regulation of the internet is such a hot topic of conversation, particularly due to the most recent Cambridge Analytics, though this was an issue regarding privacy and data rather. I think in this case, it’s beyond the control on Instagram and lies with a number of parties, like large corporations, community etc. More so, I think it lies with education – teaching younger generations how to behave online, and for them to better understand the realities of the platform and the perceptions they provide. But this couldn’t be achieved alone, and would take a comprehensive strategy to accomplish with the help of big companies, the community, and the government.
Hi Amaya,
Great paper, it was really engaging and interesting! Instagram is a really fascinating platform to look at, in that users construct feeds that aesthetically pleasing and become the ideal extension of their sense of self and identity – the point you raised about this being closely linked to narcissism is definitely valid.
With regards to the discussion on fitspiration, another implication of this type of content is that it can dictate societal body standards and on an image-heavy platform such as Instagram, potentially be harmful to users that may experience body dissatisfaction. As others have mentioned in the comments, an increase in the consumption of this type of content may be isolating and reduce social involvement as well as psychological wellbeing.
I agree with the points you’ve raised and discussed above with Kelsey, in that there does need to be some form of media literacy where users from a young age can become ‘conscious consumers’ of online content, in the same way they would be conscious of a heavily curated or edited television or magazine advertisement.
Thanks for sharing your paper.
Cheers,
Teresa
Hi Teresa!
Sorry about the lateness in my response, very busy time of semester as you know!
Yes, I think there are a lot of implicit negative consequences because of this and we, as a society, need to tackle these issues with critical and informed minds. As Jarrod and I have discussed in the comments, the unfortunate thing is that we don’t think that regulating the app is the best approach and that educating individuals on the risks is probably the best way to go about it!