Impact of social media pattern usage and information sharing on instagram influence and cultural dynamics
This PhD thesis example explores the profound influence of Instagram usage patterns on cultural dynamics and identity formation among university students aged 18-22. The research meticulously analyzes how different types of information shared on Instagram, from educational content to personal narratives, shape users’ cultural perceptions and social interactions. It examines how these interactions either contribute to or detract from social cohesion, employing detailed thematic analysis based on interviews with young female students. Provided by our professional writing service, this thesis utilizes APA citations to analyze qualitative data from young women, offering significant insights into social media’s role in cultural and identity shifts.
May 27, 2024
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SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE 1
Impact of Social Media Pattern Usage and Information Sharing on Instagram Influence and
Cultural Dynamics
Abstract
Instagram is one of the most popular social networking sites among young women,
especially those aged 18 – 22. They use this platform for various purposes, which vary from one
individual to another. For instance, young people may use it for communication or education,
while older people may use it for business. Identity formation or development is a core task
during this age, and this raises the question of how their usage patterns and the type of
information they share affect their identity formation. Additionally, it is important to examine
how usage patterns and the type of information shared affect their cultural dynamics and social
cohesion. Therefore, this research aims to address these questions. Social capital and Goffman
theories mainly guide the research. Six in-depth semi-structured interviews are conducted with
young female university students aged 18 – 22 years, who were frequent Instagram users.
Purposive sampling was used to recruit the participants. Thematic analysis of qualitative
interview findings shed light on the participants’ usage patterns, seeking emotional support,
networking, affirmation and celebration of culture and cultural identity, engaging with the
community and peers, education, viewing fashion trends, academic support, and engaging in the
creative expression. These information sharing patterns lead to the formation of a wide range of
identities, including social, cultural, academic, intellectual, educational, appearance, and fashion
identities. The shared patterns and information also lead to forming, maintaining, and
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transforming different cultures. Additionally, information shared positively and negatively
impacts the social cohesion of the study participants. This research shows that Instagram is a
perfect tool for satisfying the agency and communication needs of women aged 18 – 22. On the
other hand, sharing information on Instagram and interacting with followers can give them a
sense of belonging and social connection.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1. Introduction
1. Research Background
Today's use of social media platforms is a universal phenomenon (Elhai et al., 2016;
Pittman and Reich, 2016). Due to the increased prevalence of social media sites in contemporary
society, individuals worldwide share stronger interconnectedness than ever before (Hanna et al.,
2011; Bashir et al., 2021). Research shows that the population that increasingly uses smartphones
is the youth aged 15 – 24 years. This highlights that many high schools and higher education
institutions (colleges and universities) students own smartphones that enable them to access
social media platforms (Olson et al., 2022).
Instagram is one of the most popular social network sites, and around 1 billion active
users log into it monthly (Dixon, 2024). Dean (2024) commented that:
“The 2 billion MAUs made Instagram the 4th largest social network worldwide, with
37.74% of the world’s 5.3 billion internet users accessing the app monthly” (Dean, 2024, para
11).
Among this population, some of the active users of this platform are younger women
aged 16 – 24 years (Moth, 2015). These young women frequently visit the social networking
sites as they seek access to information, highlighting their dependence on these sites for such
resources (Goldstraw and Keegan, 2016).
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Over the last few years, changes have been made in these sites, leading to a significant
increase in information shared in various formats (Chen et al., 2021). In modern society,
engaging with information is a routine practice crucial for individuals across diverse vocations,
skilled fields, and professional communities in various disciplines. The information different
users, including young women, share on Instagram allows them to accomplish different tasks in
private and official capacities (Downey, 2012). The increased need for them to make choices of
the type of information to access has led to differences in their information sharing behaviour
(Bashir et al., 2021).
Instagram users, such as young women, tend to engage with their friends and family
members on this platform to meet their needs, which can be emotional, social, or informational
(Quan-Haase and Young, 2010; Brandtzaeg, 2012). Nevertheless, as this social networking site
presents a wide range of features and serves specific purposes, the usage pattern among this
population does not appear to be the same (Romero et al., 2022).
Users on Instagram make themselves visible by taking and posting images on this
platform. This shows that they need to engage in two ways: self-representation and self-
disclosure. Through these two ways, they can curate their online self and control how their
followers see them. This makes Instagram regarded as a field for youths to explore and showcase
their identities (Subrahmanyam and Smahel, 2011).
As such, young women may construct their online selves in many ways (Atrill, 2015).
For instance, they can develop, edit, and re-edit themselves and even come to a conclusion to
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develop multiple selves. As a result, they decide on the information they need to share to define
themselves in a way that shows their perfect or real self-views (Vogel et al., 2014; Rosenberg and
Egbert, 2011).
As social media continues to expand, students from diverse cultural backgrounds gain
access to communication and the sharing of cultural values, beliefs, and norms. This offers a
unique prospect to study the effect of social media on cultural changes among students (Dukper
et al., 2018). Nevertheless, only some features and aspects of these platforms positively impact
society. Due to the increased number of people using social media platforms are regarded as
essential cyberspaces for multicultural communities to communicate their cultural identities
(Kasemsap, 2015). Because of this, the primary question is how Instagram usage influences and
information shared through the platform influences the cultural dynamic and social cohesion of
young women aged 18 – 22 years.
2. Problem Statement
Social media platforms like Instagram are playing a key role in the lives of young
women, aged 18 to 22 years. The active usage of these sites shape the social interactions, and
influence their overall well-being. But no enough empirical evidence is available on this
demographic group, which makes it difficult for researchers to understand the consequences of
using this platform for this demographic group. The current study attempted to address this gap
by drawing on relevant studies, like Ngundo (2024) and Romero et al. (2022) that examine the
psychological impact of using Instagram on young users. These studies also highlighted the need
for introducing the supportive mechanisms and tailored interventions (Romero et al., 2022;
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Ngundo, 2024). The exploration of informational identity formation, and cultural dynamics
experienced by young female university students offer a nuanced perspective on social media use
implications for this demographic group. The in-depth empirical investigation sheds light on the
complex interplay between social cohesion, cultural dynamics, and Instagram use patterns
among 18 to 22 years’ old women.
3. Study Aims and Questions
The main general objective of this research is to examine the impact of social media usage
patterns and information sharing on the platform, how they influence cultural dynamics and
social cohesion, and to identify formation among young women university students aged 18 – 22.
The specific objectives of the study are as follows;
1. To examine the impact of Instagram usage patterns on cultural dynamics and social
cohesion and identify formation among young women university students aged 18 – 22.
2. To examine the impact of information sharing through Instagram on cultural dynamics
and social cohesion and identify formation among young women university students aged
18 – 22.
Based on the specific objectives above, the main research question of the study is as follows;
"How do the patterns of Instagram usage and information sharing on Instagram influence the
social and cultural dynamics of university students (aged 18–22), and what are the implications
for social cohesion and identity formation?"
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4. Justification of the Study
The conclusions of this study are crucial since they will provide valuable insights into the
nuanced ways in which Instagram affects social dynamics and cultural identity formation among
university students who have already entered the age of being referred to as adults. Additionally,
there will be a better comprehension of the role of Instagram in shaping individual and collective
identities, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and promoting social cohesion among women
aged 18 – 22 years within the community. As a student, this study offers insights into how my
Instagram use can possibly influence my self-perceptions and social interactions. I consider it
important to understand the impact of social media on cultural dynamics and identity formation
for responsibly navigating the digital landscape. The study also offers useful insights into how to
foster the cross-cultural understanding among the young women like myself.
May 27, 2024
24/7 custom essay writing by real academic writers
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Academic level:
Ph.D.
Type of paper:
Thesis
Discipline:
Marketing
Citation:
APA
Pages:
40 (11000 words)
* The sample essays are for browsing purposes only and are not to be submitted as original work to avoid issues with plagiarism.
