Motivations for Instagram use: Personal validation and enhancing close relationships

Digital communication and social networking continue to evolve as user demand increases. While much of the research examining motivations for social media focuses on Facebook, different social networking platforms offer a variety of features and uses increasing demand for continued research on motivations for use of social media platforms. Instagram includes a uniquely visual presentation style when compared to Facebook and emphasizes public connections rather than known social connections, so motivations for use of this platform may differ. The current research examined motivations for Instagram use, in general, focusing on the public affirmation aspects of this platform, as well as examined how this platform may affect motivations to connect with those in close relationships. Instagram use produced greater feelings of sadness when these public affirmation needs were not met. In addition, when close relationship needs were not met, feelings of sadness also increased. This research contributes to the existing literature on social networking site use and highlights unique motivations for use of the Instagram platform.