Effects of Young Adolescents’ Exposure to Luxurious Lifestyles on Instagram: Social Media Literacy Education Can Make a Difference

Abstract

This study examines (a) whether exposure to Instagram posts showing luxurious (vs. ordinary) lifestyles could result in negative social comparison and lower self-esteem and (b) whether these effects could be reduced by literacy education about social media. To test these ideas, an experiment was conducted based on 115 elementary and middle school students (4th to 8th grade). Results showed that Instagram posts showing a luxurious lifestyle resulted in more negative social comparison and lower self-esteem. However, the negative impact of Instagram posts on self-esteem was not found when social media literacy education was provided. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.