Emerging Addictions and Psychological-Clinical Interventions: A Scoping Review on the Existence of Instagram Addiction

Background The pervasive use of social media, particularly Instagram, has raised growing concerns about its potential to foster behavioral addictions that impair psychological well-being and social functioning. Objective This study aims to investigate and synthesize recent research on Instagram addiction within the domains of clinical psychology, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and treatment, with the goal of contributing both theoretical and practical advancements to the existing literature. Methods A scoping review was conducted from May 10, 2023, to October 10, 2023, to identify current diagnostic paradigms associated with Instagram addiction, investigate underexamined aspects of the phenomenon, examine correlations with related theoretical constructs and comorbidities, assess the evaluation scales currently in use, and develop a conceptual framework to navigate recent scientific discoveries. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, PsycINFO, MDPI, APA, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, and Scopus. Results A total of 170 non-duplicate records were identified. Among these, 50 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, and five met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final review. Conclusion The findings highlight the association between Instagram addiction and negative psychological outcomes such as depression, social anxiety, loneliness, academic underperformance, and body dissatisfaction. The evidence supports classifying Instagram addiction as a behavioral addiction, underscoring the need for dedicated diagnostic criteria and appropriate treatment strategies.