Motivations for Taking Selfies on Instagram
Authors: 
Ariela Ponti, Hongyang Zhou, Diana Bravo, Chien Wen (Tina) Yuan, 
Donghee Yvette WohnAuthors Info & Claims
Ariela Ponti, Hongyang Zhou, Diana Bravo, Chien Wen (Tina) Yuan, Donghee Yvette WohnAuthors Info & ClaimsPages 42 - 47
Abstract
Selfies have become a common and popular form of communication and self-representation in the digital age, particularly for the purpose of posting on social media. While the phenomenon has been widely studied, this paper seeks to examine motivations for selfie-taking specific to Instagram through in-depth interviews with 25 young adults. We identified six key themes behind why people take selfies: emphasizing physical appearance, expressing personal identity, conveying authenticity, documenting life experiences, fostering social connections, and seeking popularity. This study sheds light on how selfies serve multiple roles, from social engagement to personal reflection, and highlights how technology continues to shape identity.
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Index Terms
- Motivations for Taking Selfies on Instagram
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Published: 12 January 2025
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GROUP '25: The 2025 ACM International Conference on Supporting Group Work
January 12 - 15, 2025
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