خلاصة:
Objective: While previous research studies primarily focused on younger populations, this study compared the relationship between Instagram use and the mental health of both young and older women who were quarantined because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Data were collected using Google Form from March 1 to May 5, 2020. A total of 389 women from Mashhad City in Iran participated in the study and completed a questionnaire regarding their daily Instagram usage and a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Results: Older users’ daily Instagram use was not significantly different from that of younger users [t (382) = 0. 98, p = 0. 33]. Furthermore, results indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between daily Instagram use and young users’ mental health levels [r (352) = 0. 23, p=0. 00]. Finally, there was no significant correlation found between daily Instagram use and old users’ mental health levels [r (28) = -0. 20, p = 0. 28]. Conclusion: The findings advance an understanding of Instagram use among younger and older adults, and highlight the correlation between Instagram use and mental health. The results can inform future technological interventions that are designed to help younger and older adults who may have better access to social benefits via SNS platforms, particularly in specific circumstances, such as those brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ملخص الجهاز:
A total of 389 women from Mashhad City in Iran participated in the study and completed a questionnaire regarding their daily Instagram usage and a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28).
Furthermore, results indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between daily Instagram use and young users’ mental health levels [r (352) = 0.
Overall usage of social network sites and mental health Few research studies compared the use of social network sites (SNS) among adults from different age groups.
To address these research gaps, the current study aimed to examine the difference between younger and older people with respect to the intensity of Instagram use during the COVID-19 quarantine period.
Second, this study examined the relationship between Instagram use and women’s mental health, and compared older and younger users, while also identifying some challenges and concerns that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Next, the relationship between daily Instagram use and the mental health of young and older users during the quarantine period was explored by performing Pearson’s product-moment (PPM) correlation tests.
The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between daily Instagram use and the mental health levels of young users.
In addition, as far as we are aware, this is the first study among existing literature that focused on comparing younger and older women in terms of the relationship between daily Instagram use and mental health.
Conclusion This study examined differences in the relationship between Instagram use and mental health among younger and older age groups, and revealed unique Instagram usage patterns among young adults.