#selfie : A self-reflective venture into the realms of Instagram

Abstract: The autoethnographic research project #selfie investigates the effects of the social media platform Instagram on the well-being of users aged 15–28 years. It focuses on the physical, psychological and psychosocial aspects of this user group’s behaviours, thoughts, and feelings. A review of current research shows that while Instagram usage can enhance short-term well-being by triggering positive emotional responses, the long-term consequences can include information overload and stress phenomena, which can lead to a decreased ability or even inability to focus on one specific thing or moment. The present thesis examines the effect of this decreased or lacking ability on individuals’ competence of reflective thinking and “mindfulness,” a competence which can be linked to living a lifestyle of sustainability. Without reflective thinking, individuals are unable to determine their own standpoint when it comes to issues related to sustainability. The review of current research is juxtaposed with excerpts from interviews and conversations with the investigated user group, as well as autoethnographic investigation and reflective illustrations based on the author’s own experience with Instagram. Through this, the actuality of prevailing opinions in current literature is discussed critically. This research suggests that design can and should bring issues such as extensive Instagram usage and its possible effects to public attention by offering an approach that can be as informative as appealing, making it attractive to commit to reflective thinking and encouraging the audience to broaden their horizon on the issue. The design proposal of this project consists of an illustrated graphic story which combines comics, illustration and text in the form of a zine which opens up a platform for dialogue on Instagram usage, therefore challenging readers to reflect on their own experiences and guiding them on their way to mindful social media use.