Alterações comportamentais na geração Z resultantes do uso frequente do Instagram

Abstract

Digital technologies are a constant in today's civilization, as cell phones connected to the internet are in frequent use. They allow access to a variety of social media platforms, namely Instagram, one of the most popular among the younger population.Considering that Instagram content is characterized by a positivity perspective, as users generally present an idealized image of themselves, previous studies suggest an association between the use of this social network and dissatisfaction with physical appearance.This work aims to understand behaviors that, although not yet reflectingaddictions, affect the psychological well-being and mental health of young people of generation Z, users of Instagram. Specifically, they presuppose the identification of behavioral changes by these young people who assiduously use Instagram; the understanding associated with the use of other Instagram users, that is, to know if they exert pressure and incite the increase of its use and, finally, the presentation and clarification of the consequences that the excessive use of Instagram causes in the life, well-being and mental health of young people of Generation Z. In this empirical work, the mixed method and data collection techniques through questionnaire survey of Generation Z and interviews with relevant agents were used.The results obtained in this research show that 64.6% of the participants identifywith "Social needs" at the time of using Instagram, 33.6% feel pressured by othermembers of society to use Instagram social network, 38.2% "Used Instagram in order to reduce restlessness/nervousness", 36.8% "Used Instagram to forget personal problems", and 29.1% "Used Instagram to reduce feelings of guilt, anxiety, helplessness or depression". In the sample, regarding whether they ever felt that their mental health or well-being was being threatened due to Instagram, 30.5% responded affirmatively, 50.9% responded negatively, and 18.6% responded that they never thought about it. Overall, the research findings, indicate that generation Z has altered their behavior resulting from the use of Instagram with potential consequences for the physical and psychological well being of these individuals.

Date of Award	2 Nov 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Dias (Supervisor)