Presenting a pattern for promoting social health through social networks(Case study: Instagram social network)

The increasing use of social networks is affecting various dimensions of users' health. The purpose of this study is to provide a pattern for promoting social health through the social network Instagram. For this purpose, in the first part of the research, using a qualitative method and conducting a semi-structured interview, various types of use of Instagram were classified and then in the second part, using quantitative method and distribution of questionnaires, the desired relationships were examined. Findings show that more than half of Iranian Instagram users use this network for one to three hours a day and their social health is average (3.022). There is a significant and negative relationship between the rate of use of Instagram and the indicators of social coherence, social contribution and social health. The various types of use of this network can be divided into 9 categories, the results of which show the use of Instagram for entertainment, and immersion have a negative relationship with the index of social adaptation. But using Instagram for learning, employment, and knowledge transfer has a significant and positive relationship with social health. Using Instagram for communication as well as for self-expression has a positive and significant relationship with social integration. According to the findings of this study, the promotion of some social health factors in the individual dimension can be achieved through Instagram, and this issue can be considered by users, officials and policy makers.