Impact of Materialistic Instagram Reels on Psychological Distress, Self-esteem, and Life Satisfaction

This study investigated the impact of materialistic Instagram reels on psychological distress, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. A cross-sectional correlational study was conducted on materialistic Instagram reels, psychological distress, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. A sample size of 300 participants was selected through convenience sampling. The scales utilised during the study were the Materialism Scale developed by Richins and Dawson (1992), the Self-Esteem Scale developed by Rosenberg (1965) to measure self-esteem, the Psychological Distress Scale developed by Kessler (1992) to measure psychological distress, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale developed by Diener, et al., (1985) to measure life satisfaction. The data collection methods used were physical and online surveys and the gathered data was analysed statistically. The result showed a significant impact of materialistic Instagram reels on psychological distress and self-esteem. However, no significant impact of materialistic Instagram reels on life satisfaction was found. The study recommends addressing materialistic values alongside mental well-being to enhance life satisfaction and psychological health.