People’s Explanations for Positive and Negative Feedback on Their Instagram Images

What is it about?

People often receive likes and comments on the photos they post on Instagram, but little is known about how they explain this feedback to themselves. This study explored how people interpret positive and negative reactions to different kinds of Instagram posts, including selfies, photos taken by someone else (“elsies”), and memes. The study found that undergraduate students who posted photos of themselves were more likely to blame or credit personal factors, especially their appearance, for the feedback they received. In contrast, people who posted memes were more likely to explain feedback based on outside factors, such as audience preferences or humor. Additionally, participants more frequently attributed favorable feedback to controllable factors, whereas unfavorable feedback was often linked to factors beyond their control.

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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The findings suggest that social media may encourage people to focus heavily on their appearance and view themselves through the eyes of others. When photos of the self become the center of attention, people may become more likely to internalize criticism and judge themselves harshly. This can make online feedback feel more personal and emotionally impactful. Understanding these patterns matters because they may help explain how social media affects self-esteem, body image, and mental well-being. The findings may also help educators, parents, clinicians, and social media users develop healthier ways of thinking about online feedback and self-presentation.