The Role of Communication Apprehension and expression of the true self in Using Instagram and Selfie

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the Expression of the True Self in the use of Instagram and selfies.

This correlational study used 4 questionnaires "Communication Apprehension", "Authenticity Inventory Scales", "Instagram Use" and "Taking a Selfie" (online) in a random sample of undergraduate students at the University of Birjand (357 participants).

Communication Apprehension and selfie use were higher in women than men, but the age of the participants had no role in the variables. Instagram Use was above average and sending selfies and edited selfies was below average. With the increase of most of the studied psychological variables, the use of Instagram, selfies, and edited selfies increased. However, with the increase in communication Apprehension, the Expression of the True Self on Instagram decreased.

In our study population, most people have a greater tendency to introvert and do not want to show themselves. Using Instagram may help reduce communication fears. People with high communication phobia experience more fear or anxiety in their relationships than others, so these people are more likely to avoid experiencing fear or anxiety in their relationships with others. Expression of the True Self in selfies is directly related to one's characteristics, but the expression of the True Self on Instagram is not necessarily related to one's characteristics.