Hiding Instagram Likes: Effects on negative affect and loneliness

Instagram, the social networking site (SNS), recently tested initiative of hiding number Likes a post receives from other users. Instagram's rationale for was to support wellbeing through reduced competition Likes. In an experiment with 280 Instagram users in United States, we investigated effect on negative affect and loneliness. Scenarios were created simulate receipt higher or lower than desired, visibility those others. Findings indicate that receiving greater desired reduces loneliness but increases affect, this result is exacerbated by However, when are low, it does not make difference whether visible not. Vulnerable narcissism associated provide initiative, reveal new insights about interrelationship between use.