Modeling the Effect of Instagram Addiction on Self-Confidence and Students' Sense of Happiness (Case: Students of Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, 2019)

Since last decade, virtual social networks specially image-based social networks such as Instagram, have improved and become an aspect of modern society, but many of their effects on their users' attitudes and behaviors are still unknown. The aim of this study was to analysis the effect of Instagram addiction on students' expectations and desires, which based on the theory of Relative Deprivation can affect people's self-confidence and happiness. The research was conducted in 2019. The data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire conducted on online survey and using google form. The validity and reliability of questionnaire were confirmed with Cronbach's alpha and face validity. The research sample consisted of 211 students of Islamic Azad university, Science and Research Branch of Tehran who were selected by available sampling method. The results showed that Instagram addiction had a negative and significant effect on students' sense of happiness and self-confidence, and the self-confidence had a positive and significant effect on their sense of happiness. In other words, Instagram addiction reduces students' self-esteem and feeling happiness.