Perception of hostility on the social media 'Instagram'

reflections on malaise in the Digital Era

Abstract

The research presented here investigated users’ perceptions of elements of hostility present on Instagram. It was considered that, although Instagram presents itself as a social network for image sharing, the platform enables the manifestation of aggressiveness, the promotion of dissatisfaction and competition, and, like applications in general, is designed to maintain user connection for the purposes of data collection and commodification. Grounded in the Critical Theory of Society and situated within Psychology, the study analyzed data obtained through an online questionnaire answered by 17 voluntary participants, all over 18 years old, who underwent a process of informed consent. The results indicate that there is a perception of hostility on the network and that a significant range of unpleasant feelings and experiences can be associated with its use. Nevertheless, users remain connected, seeking to manage individually the discomfort generated in their relationship with the social network.