{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,8,26]],"date-time":"2026-08-26T08:49:37Z","timestamp":1787734177317,"version":"build-2784847793"},"reference-count":59,"publisher":"JMIR Publications Inc.","content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["J Med Internet Res"],"abstract":"\n Background<\/jats:title>\n The widespread use of online social networks, particularly among the younger demographic, has catalyzed a growing interest in exploring their influence on users\u2019 psychological well-being. Instagram (Meta), a visually oriented platform, has garnered significant attention. Prior research has consistently indicated that Instagram usage correlates with heightened levels of perfectionism, body dissatisfaction, and diminished self-esteem. Perfectionism is closely linked to self-criticism, which entails an intense self-scrutiny and is often associated with various psychopathologies. Conversely, self-compassion has been linked to reduced levels of perfectionism and stress, while fostering greater positive affect and overall life satisfaction.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Objective<\/jats:title>\n This study investigates the relationship between Instagram usage (time of use and content exposure) and users\u2019 levels of self-compassion, self-criticism, and body dissatisfaction.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Methods<\/jats:title>\n This study comprised 1051 adult participants aged between 18 and 50 years, either native to Spain or residing in the country for at least a decade. Each participant completed a tailored questionnaire on Instagram usage, along with abbreviated versions of the Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Shape Questionnaire, and the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, spanning from January 23 to February 25, 2022.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Results<\/jats:title>\n A positive correlation was observed between daily Instagram usage and self-criticism scores. Participants of all age groups who spent over 3 hours per day on Instagram exhibited higher self-criticism scores than users who spent less than 1 hour or between 1 and 3 hours per day. Contrary to previous findings, no significant relationship was detected between Instagram usage time and levels of self-compassion or body dissatisfaction. Furthermore, content centered around physical appearance exhibited a positive correlation with self-criticism and body dissatisfaction scores. Among younger participants (aged 18-35 years), those who primarily viewed beauty or fashion content reported higher self-criticism scores than those consuming science-related content. However, this association was not significant for participants aged 35-50 years. Conversely, individuals who predominantly engaged with sports or fitness or family or friends content exhibited higher levels of body dissatisfaction than those focusing on science-related content. No significant associations were observed between self-compassion scores and daily Instagram usage or most-viewed content categories.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>\n \n Conclusions<\/jats:title>\n The findings of this study underscore the considerable impact of Instagram usage on self-criticism and body dissatisfaction\u20142 variables known to influence users\u2019 psychological well-being and be associated with various symptoms and psychological disorders.<\/jats:p>\n <\/jats:sec>","DOI":"10.2196\/51957","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2024,3,23]],"date-time":"2024-03-23T08:10:42Z","timestamp":1711181442000},"page":"e51957","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":11,"title":["Exploring the Relationship Between Instagram Use and Self-Criticism, Self-Compassion, and Body Dissatisfaction in the Spanish Population: Observational 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