Name: Rekha. M S
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume-15, Issue-2, (July-December)
Page Number: 202-209
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17617395

ABSTRACT
Social media use among college students has surged globally, raising concerns about its
impact on mental health. Instagram, one of the most popular platforms, can become
―addictive‖ for some users – characterized by excessive use and difficulty in disengaging.
This study examines Instagram addiction and its relationship with mental health (anxiety,
depression, self-esteem) among undergraduate students in Mandya district, Karnataka. We
pay special attention to gender differences, analyzing data from 400 students (200 females,
200 males). A cross-sectional survey design was employed. Participants completed the Test
for Instagram Addiction (TIA), Mental health was assessed using standard scales: the Beck
Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for anxiety, Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) for depression,
and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) for self-esteem. SPSS 28 was used for analysis.
Group comparisons (independent t-tests) were conducted to assess gender differences, and
P