Covid-۱۹ Pandemic, Instagram use and Women’s Mental Health

Objective: While previous research studies primarily focused on younger populations, this study compared the relationship between Instagram use and the mental health of both young and older women who were quarantined because of the COVID-۱۹ pandemic.Method: Data were collected using Google Form from March ۱ to May ۵, ۲۰۲۰. A total of ۳۸۹ women from Mashhad City in Iran participated in the study and completed a questionnaire regarding their daily Instagram usage and a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-۲۸).Results: Older users’ daily Instagram use was not significantly different from that of younger users [t(۳۸۲) = ۰.۹۸, p = ۰.۳۳]. Furthermore, results indicated that there was a significant positive correlation between daily Instagram use and young users’ mental health levels [r(۳۵۲) = ۰.۲۳, p=۰.۰۰]. Finally, there was no significant correlation found between daily Instagram use and old users’ mental health levels [r(۲۸) = -۰.۲۰, p = ۰.۲۸].Conclusion: The findings advance an understanding of Instagram use among younger and older adults, and highlight the correlation between Instagram use and mental health. The results can inform future technological interventions that are designed to help younger and older adults who may have better access to social benefits via SNS platforms, particularly in specific circumstances, such as those brought about by the COVID-۱۹ pandemic.Keywords: COVID-۱۹; Instagram use; mental health.