Running head: Instagram use and Relationship Satisfaction

The Effects of Instagram Use on Relationship Satisfaction

Jake R. Berg, Flora L. Goodman, Mikayla R. Locke, Kassi L. LoPresti, Elizabeth T. Oluokun

Bryant University
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Abstract

The present study examines the relationship the between two variables: Instagram use

and relationship satisfaction. Respondents completed a 19 question survey online, with

questions that corresponded to both variables. Based on findings from prior studies about the

effect of social media on romantic relationships, it was predicted that Instagram use would have

a negative effect on relationship satisfaction. Analyses revealed a weak correlation between the

two variables. As such, more research is needed to understand how relationship satisfaction is

influenced by social media use.

Keywords: Instagram, social network use, relationship satisfaction, jealousy, romantic

relationships, relational uncertainty.

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The Effects of Instagram Use on Relationship Satisfaction

On Instagram, users tend to share photos that portray, in the most positive light, various

aspects of their lives and identities including their romantic relationships. In doing so, it is not

uncommon for these posts to be digitally altered and carefully selected, representing a

construction of reality (Lupton, 2014). Previous studies have shed light on how use of social

media can influence relationship evaluations and satisfaction. Further, studies have shown that

depictions of relationships in media can affect relationship expectations. However, less research

has been done on how such expectations are affected by social media, and more broadly, on the

influence of Instagram on romantic relationships. In turn, this study seeks insight into how

Instagram affects romantic relationships, especially in regard to expectations and satisfaction.

Review of Literature

Instagram in Relation to Facebook

Created in 2010, Instagram has steadily grown to become one of the leading social

networking platforms, and its growth is expected to continue. Facebook was founded and

popularized years before Instagram but currently Instagram is experiencing more rapid growth.

In recognition of its growing popularity, Facebook purchased Instagram for $1 billion in 2012.

Today, more than 42 million users have their Instagram sites connected to Facebook and share

images on both sites, simultaneously (Sanvenero, 2013). Both Facebook and Instagram involve

sharing pictures. Users of Instagram are encouraged to take photos, apply digital filters to them,

and share them with their followers (Sanvenero, 2013). The characteristics of Facebook are

similar, allowing photo sharing among users, together with functions such as tagging and

commenting on photos (Park, 2014).

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Of course, there are differences between Instagram and Facebook, yet the same

motivations have been found to drive peoples use of both social networks. Especially for young

people, the need for validation is central to their use of both Instagram and Facebook. Both

networks involve sharing photos, which others can view and respond to by liking or posting

comments (Lupton, 2014).

In a study done by Oeldorf-Hirsch & Sundar, they state that social media present new

opportunities to fulfill needs that extend beyond what earlier forms of analog and digital photo

sharing could provide, such as broadcasting to and interacting with diverse online audiences"

(Oeldorf-Hirsch, 2016). This hints to the idea that users post on social media for reasons

associated with other people, not just for personal use. The aim of users of social networks is to

be a part of a bigger community and they use Facebook as well as Instagram to do so. Further on

in the study this reason is again explored and their results showed strong support for the

notion that people use photography primarily for social purposes, and increasingly use online

venues to communicate and build relationships via photos. (Oeldorf-Hirsch, 2016). They then

go on to find that there is a dual need to experience what others are doing, while also

showing off ones own experiences (Oeldorf-Hirsch, 2016). So on both Instagram and

Facebook, there is an underlying need to save face while also being actively involved in others

efforts to do the same. The frequent use in viewing Instagram photos could lead to issues in

jealousy in romantic relationships.

Jealousy

Jealousy is defined as the emotional reaction on a perceived threat to the relationship

(Pfeiffer & Wong, 1989). Utz and Beaukeboom (2011) assess the various types of jealousy.

These different types of jealousy include anxious, possessive, and reactive jealousy. These all
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occur in different types of relationships, but mostly in romantic relationships. Anxious jealousy

involves constantly stressing about the possible infidelity of the partner. Possessive jealousy has

a stronger behavioral component and includes monitoring behavior and trying to prevent the

partner from having other relationships with the opposite sex. Reactive jealousy occurs as

reaction to a real threat to the relationship, whereas anxious and possessive jealousy can occur

when there is not actually any threat to the relationship at all.

Jealousy is one of the main sources of negative experiences in romantic relationships

(Pytlak, Zerega and Houser, 2015, 310). Romantic jealousy is often times associated with

damaging effects, however it can also be linked to positive relational outcomes (Elphinston, et.

al.). Some studies suggest that jealousy could increase the commitment partners have to each

other in relationships (Elphinston, et.a.). One study in 2013 proposed rumination as a mediator

between romantic jealousy, and relationship dissatisfaction, and to understand in full behavioral

responses of jealousy. Rumination in this study is the conscious and recurring thoughts that are

intrusive in nature, persist over time and come from threats to an individual or a relationship

(Elphinston, et.al.). Essentially, rumination primarily involves dwelling on the past. This study

proposed many interesting results, the most important of which being that rumination, and

jealousy are positively related meaning that the more one dwells on the past in their relationship,

the more jealousy they will experience (Elphinston, et.al.).

Relational jealousy most commonly occurs when there is a third party threat, and

jealousy evoking behaviors are when one partner acts in a way that elicits jealousy in the other

partner (Pytlak, Zerega and Houser, 2015). One study proposes that perceptions such as

relationship satisfaction, commitment and uncertainty can serve as precursors to jealousy

evoking behaviors (Pytlak,et.al). This study only found that commitment was the only significant
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predictor of jealousy evoking behaviors. What this means is that jealousy evoking behaviors, are

directly related to ones level of commitment in a romantic relationship, which could cause

relational uncertainty. (Pytlak, et.al).

Relational Uncertainty

According to Knoblock & Solomon (2003), relational uncertainty has a great impact on

relationship satisfaction and how individuals feel about the relationship as a whole. The level of

relational certainty or uncertainty that people have in a relationship comes from how confident

they are that their partner is involved in the relationship. The factors that come into play and

have an effect on the uncertainty in a romantic relationship include jealousy, conflict, and

expectation violations. The way people act emotionally and behave has a great influence on how

a relationship will work out in the long run. When partners are experiencing relational

uncertainty they are more likely to terminate a relationship (Knobloch & Solomon, 2003).

Fluctuations in uncertainty can come from unfaithfulness or from supportive acts that were

unexpected.

Uncertainty in relationships can come in the form of self-uncertainty, partner uncertainty,

or relationship uncertainty. People place a high value on relational certainty but they also value

the opposite and having novelty. It has been found that when there are high levels of uncertainty

in a romantic relationship, they are more likely to get feelings of jealousy towards their partner.

When uncertainty lasts and isnt reduced it can have detrimental and long lasting effects on the

relationship (Knobloch & Solomon, 2003). Although this is true, research shows that relational

uncertainty can also be beneficial to a relationship. If everything in a relationship was certain the

couple would suffer from boredom, which is a huge cause from breakups. It is important how a

couple handles issues of uncertainty in their relationship. It can either be avoided and not talked
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about or be approached and dealt with. Approach strategies face the issue head on by gathering

information on the behavior of their partner. Avoidance strategies are the opposite, and there is

no seeking of information (Knobloch & Solomon, 2003).

Social media use is increasing and with increasing social media use comes the issue of

jealousy and relational uncertainty. Facebook can be used as a way to extract information from

partners in romantic relationships, which can cause jealousy. This then leads to relational

uncertainty through online interaction in which partners attempt to practice maintenance norms

and keep the relationship in its current state. When a partner simply updates his or her own

Facebook, they will be satisfied with their relationship but when that maintenance turns into

stalking the other partner, they can begin to become unsatisfied in their relationships. (Stewart,

Dainton & Goodboy, 2014).

Relationship Satisfaction

Previous studies have found a relationship between time spent on social media sites and

reduced satisfaction in ones body image, for adolescent women in particular (Holland &

Tiggemann, 2016). The present study seeks to determine whether a similar relationship exists

between social media and relationship satisfaction, for young adults using Instagram.

Relationship satisfaction is defined as the overall subjective evaluation of ones romantic

relationship (Baym, Yang Bing, Ledbetter & Mei-Chen, 2007).

According to Interdependence Theory, individuals make these evaluations based in part

on comparisons, which affect the expectations one has for the relationship. Such comparisons are

made based on experiences from past relationships, and through observations of other peoples

relationships as well (Guerrero, Anderson & Afifi, 2011). By scrolling through social media,

users are likely to be inundated with depictions of relationships (Lupton, 2014). Thus, based on
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interdependence theory, it is expected that users in romantic relationships will compare these

depictions to their own relationships, meaning these posts can influence their expectations and in

turn, their relationship satisfaction.

A link between media consumption and overly optimistic romantic expectations can be

detrimental to relationship satisfaction (Segrin & Nabi, 2002). However, less research has been

focused on the link between romantic expectations and use of social media such as Facebook and

Instagram. That being said, the way people present their romantic relationships on Facebook has

been found to influence how those relationships are perceived by others, in terms of relationship

quality (Reizer & Hetsroni, 2014). More specifically, people with more relationship visibility

(that is, they post often about their relationships, especially through pictures) are perceived as

being more satisfied in their relationships than those who do not. In turn, their relationships are

perceived as being higher in relationship quality (Reizer & Hetsroni, 2014). Adolescents who are

active on social media believe that Instagram portrays unrealistic ideals of romantic

relationships. Simultaneously, however, these teens view these portrayals as ideals to which they

should aspire (Len-Rios et. al, 2016).

Rationale and Hypotheses

The existing literature on the effects of social media on romantic relationships has

focused primarily on Facebook as opposed to Instagram. The research gathered was able to

establish that using Instagram and Facebook to post pictures are synonymous (Lupton, 2014). It

was found that relational uncertainty has a large impact on relationship satisfaction and how

individuals feel towards their partner and the relationship as a whole (Stewart, Dainton &

Goodboy, 2014). When couples post on Instagram they are portraying themselves publicly. Prior

research has found that the observation of other couples relationships on social media causes the
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viewer to compare this relationship to their own. Thus, from exposure to romantic relationships

portrayals on Instagram, we predict that individual's relationship expectations are influenced,

which can then influence their satisfaction in the relationship.

H: Viewing depictions of romantic relationships on Instagram will negatively correlate

with relationship satisfaction.

With social media platforms such as Instagram, there are high levels of uncertainty that

then lead to feelings of jealousy and dissatisfaction towards both the relationship as a whole and

towards the partner. It was found that jealousy is one of the biggest factors in relational

dissatisfaction and that the online behaviors on social networking sites are intertwined with the

offline behaviors that contribute to relationship satisfaction. Overall, relationship satisfaction is

affected when individuals in a romantic relationship view the images that other couples post on

social media.

Methods

Research Design

Research was conducted through the distribution of an online survey. This method of data

collection was considered optimal as it allowed us to reach a large number of respondents within

a limited time frame. In addition to these time constraints, a motivating factor was our limited

financial resources. When looking at two main variables, which were Instagram use and

relationship satisfaction, the intention of our research was not to test for causality, but to look for

a potential relationship between these variables. As such, an online survey was deemed a

sufficient method for our purposes.

Procedure and Sample

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There survey was administered to male and female students between the ages of 18 and

30, a majority of which were students at Bryant University. Individual respondents served as the

units of analysis to measure the relationship between Instagram use and relationship satisfaction.

In addition, non-probability sampling methods were used. First, network sampling was used to

reach large groups and organizations on campus that the researchers had connections to. Each

member posted links to the survey on their Facebook accounts, and sent e-mails to fellow

students (including students at other universities) asking them to take the survey. Later, a

volunteer sample was used when Bryant professors offered extra credit to their students in

exchange for taking the survey. Due to a lack of resources as undergraduate students, a non-

random sample is justified for this research. The aim was to sample as many students as possible

to gain reliable data.

Using Qualtrics, a survey was created to assess Instagram use and relationship

satisfaction. The first two questions asked respondents to report their age and gender, with a

question of the participants current relationship status following. The next nine questions went

with the SONTUS and the following seven went with the Hendricks Relationship Assessment

Scale.

The survey was easily accessible through an anonymous online link that reached

respondents via e-mail and through posts to social media. Respondents who began the survey

were first met with a cover page, which included a statement of voluntary participation as well as

a brief description of the nature the survey. Further, respondents were assured that their

responses would remain completely confidential. A total of 342 people responded to the survey

but 155 were useable for the data we needed once we eliminated partial responses and people

who were not currently in romantic relationships. After eliminating these people we had 155
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subjects who had completed the survey. Of the 155 subjects, 39 were males (25.2%) and 116

were females (74.8%). The average age was 20.37 years.

Measurement and Analysis

Instagram Use. To measure the variable of Instagram use we used an adapted and

modified version of the SONTUS. SONTUS stands for Social Networking Time Use Scale, and

was developed in 2016 (Olufadi). It is a new instrument created for time spent on social media

networking sites. The SONTUS has five factors, however we used only the relaxation and free

time factors to measure Instagram use. These two fit our research topic best, and since the scale

is extremely long it had to be streamlined. Respondents were asked to answer the questions on an

11-point scale, ranging from not applicable to me this week to I used it more than 3 times in

the past week for a span of more than 30 minutes each time (Olufadi, 2016).

Relationship Satisfaction. To measure the variable of relationship satisfaction, we used

Hendricks Relationship Assessment Scale (1988). This is a seven-item scale that is designed to

measure general satisfaction in ones relationship. Respondents answered each item using a five-

point scale ranging from 1 to 5, each with a different corresponding title such as high

satisfaction/low satisfaction. The scoring of the scale remained continuous in that the higher the

total at the end, the higher the relationship satisfaction, though items 4 and 7 are reverse scored.

Relationship satisfaction can be defined by these questions, which assess several aspects of

satisfaction such as ones own perception of the relationship in comparison to others, and the

degree to one considers his or her needs to be fulfilled (Hendrick, 1988).

Results

Our hypothesis stated that viewing depictions of romantic relationships on Instagram

would negatively correlate with relationship satisfaction. Testing this hypothesis occurred by
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means of a Pearson product-moment correlation. The correlation between time spent on

Instagram and relationship satisfaction was a significant negative correlation (r = -.244, p <

.05). Approximately 5.9% of the variance in relationship satisfaction was accounted for by time

spent on Instagram.

Discussion

By administering a survey to college-age students currently involved in romantic

relationships and analyzing the data from 155 responses, this study looked at the influence of

Instagram, a popular social networking service on relationship satisfaction. Previous studies have

found that users of social media tend to portray their romantic relationships in an overly positive

light. Studies have also found that for people currently involved in a romantic relationship,

exposure to idealized depictions of romantic relationships can reduce relationship satisfaction by

raising expectations and triggering comparisons. In turn, our hypothesis predicted that use of

Instagram would negatively correlate with relationship satisfaction.

Our results found a weak negative correlation between Instagram use and relationship

satisfaction. Thus, we accept our hypothesis that Instagram use and relationship satisfaction are

negatively correlated. Though our results suggest that extended Instagram use may in fact affect

relationship satisfaction negatively, more research is needed to confirm that this is true. In short,

though a correlation was found between relationship satisfaction and Instagram use, the

correlation is not strong enough to draw conclusive insight into the influence of Instagram on

romantic relationships.

This study had one notable limitation which may have negatively affected our survey

results. The SONTUS used to measure social network use (specifically Instagram use) was

worded in a manner that confused many of our respondents. Some respondents expressed this
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directly to us after taking the survey, while we ourselves had some difficulty answering the

questions based on the structure when we were testing our survey link. Because of the confusion

with this scale, some respondents may have interpreted answers based on their perceived

meaning of the question rather than the suggested meaning.

Overall, this study only scratches the surface of the relationship between Instagram use

and relationship satisfaction. Results show that there is indeed a correlation but as stated above,

it holds no practical significance to solidify our research. Further questions could include ones

such as, why does Instagram specifically have a negative relationship to relationship

satisfaction? Would replicating this study with Facebook, rather than Instagram, also present the

result of a negative correlation? Could gender be a confounding variable that mediates the

relationship between relationship satisfaction, and Instagram use? Since in our data there were

more females than males, we were able to make no significant distinction. In the future, we hope

to see research that answers these questions.

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