A Study on Instagram Addiction & Procrastination among College Students

With each year, the consumption of social media rises especially among teens and young adults bordering on behavioral disorders. Various research has been done in relation to social networking sites (SNS) addiction, smartphone addiction, internet addiction, Facebook addiction, etc. but very little on Instagram addiction. Instagram addiction is a type of behavioral addiction defined by an excessive concern for social media and an uncontrolled need to log on to or use social media. Escapism and time-passing, amusement, exhibitionism, socializing, and social curiosity are some reasons why people use Instagram. The aim of the research was to explore the relation and effects Instagram addiction has on procrastination; the sample consisted of 50 college students aged between 18-25 years. Standardized tests were used to measure both Instagram addiction and procrastination. Further Instagram addiction was studied under 6 factors, Lack of control, Disengagement, Escapism, Health and interpersonal troubles, Excessive use, and Obsession. The results found that procrastination is significantly positively correlated with lack of control, disengagement, and escapism. It was also found that lack of control, disengagement, and escapism are significant predictors of procrastination. Some strategies for reducing Instagram include reducing screen time, being mindful of social media usage, and engaging in other positive reinforcement activities.