THE EFFECT OF INSTAGRAM USAGE ON BODY IMAGE AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG UNIMAS UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
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UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
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The influence of Instagram on an individual’s psychological wellbeing has become prevalent in recent years. Despite the widespread usage of Instagram among university students, there is limited understanding of how Instagram usage impacts the body image and self-esteem of undergraduate students at the University Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). This quantitative study aims to study the effects of Instagram usage on body image and self-esteem with UNIMAS undergraduate students as the population. Using a cross-sectional survey design, this study yielded 165 respondents aged between 19 to 30 years old, predominantly female. Instagram usage was measured using time spent daily on Instagram and Passive and Active Usage Measure (PAUM). Body image was measured with Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-8c) meanwhile self-esteem was measured with Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results indicated there are significant effects of Instagram usage on body image perception and self-esteem and there is a significant negative correlation between body image concern and self-esteem. However, there are no significant gender differences in body image perception and self- esteem. These findings highlight the need for academic institutions to take the initiative to increase students’ digital literacy to reduce the negative effect of Instagram on their body image and self-esteem.