Modulation of Instagram Number of Followings by Avoidance in Close Relationships in Young Adults Under a Gene x Environment Perspective

Abstract

The advent of Social Networking Sites (SNSs) has determined radical changes in human social life, demanding to deepen investigations on the mechanisms underlying socialization processes on online platforms. The knowledge acquired from previous studies on in-person sociability could guide researchers to consider both environmental and genetic features as candidates of the online socialization. In the current research, we explored the impact of the quality of adult attachment and the genetic properties of the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5-HTTLPR) on Instagram social behavior. Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire was adopted to assess 57 Instagram users attachment pattern in close relationship with their partner. Genotypes from the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531 region were extracted from the users buccal mucosa and analyzed. Details on users Instagram social behavior were acquired from four indexes: number of posts, number of followed users ( followings ) and number followers, and the Social Desirability Index calculated from the followers to followings ratio.Although no interaction between rs25531 and ECR-R dimensions was found, results suggested an association between avoidance in close relationships and Instagram number of followings. Specifically, post-hoc analyses revealed that adult avoidance from the partner predicts the Instagram number of followings with good evidence. Moreover, users who reported high avoidance levels displayed fewer followings than users who reported low levels of avoidance.This research provides a window into the psychobiological understanding of online socialization on SNSs as Instagram.