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

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  • Andrea Bonassi

    (Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy
    Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento TN, Italy
    Andrea Bonassi and Alessandro Carollo contributed equally to this work.)

  • Alessandro Carollo

    (Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy
    Andrea Bonassi and Alessandro Carollo contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ilaria Cataldo

    (Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy)

  • Giulio Gabrieli

    (Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore)

  • Moses Tandiono

    (Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
    Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore)

  • Jia Nee Foo

    (Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
    Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore)

  • Bruno Lepri

    (Mobile and Social Computing Lab, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, 38123 Trento TN, Italy)

  • Gianluca Esposito

    (Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto TN, Italy
    Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore
    Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore)

Abstract

Social networking sites have determined radical changes in human life, demanding investigations on online socialization mechanisms. The knowledge acquired on in-person sociability could guide researchers to consider both environmental and genetic features as candidates of online socialization. Here, 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 relationships with partners. Genotypes from the 5-HTTLPR /rs25531 region were extracted from the users’ buccal mucosa and analyzed. Users’ Instagram social behavior was examined from four indexes: number of posts, number of followed users (“followings”) and number of followers, and the Social Desirability Index calculated from the followers to followings ratio. Although no interaction between rs25531 and ECR-R dimensions was found, an association between avoidance in close relationships and Instagram number of followings emerged. Post hoc analyses revealed adult avoidance from the partner predicts the Instagram number of followings with good evidence. Moreover, users reporting 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 Instagram.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Bonassi & Alessandro Carollo & Ilaria Cataldo & Giulio Gabrieli & Moses Tandiono & Jia Nee Foo & Bruno Lepri & Gianluca Esposito, 2021. "Modulation of Instagram Number of Followings by Avoidance in Close Relationships in Young Adults under a Gene x Environment Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:14:p:7547-:d:595171
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrea Bonassi & Ilaria Cataldo & Giulio Gabrieli & Jia N. Foo & Bruno Lepri & Gianluca Esposito, 2020. "Oxytocin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms and Early Parental Bonding Interact in Shaping Instagram Social Behavior," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-20, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Andrea Bonassi & Ilaria Cataldo & Giulio Gabrieli & Moses Tandiono & Jia Nee Foo & Bruno Lepri & Gianluca Esposito, 2022. "The Interaction between Serotonin Transporter Allelic Variation and Maternal Care Modulates Instagram Sociability in a Sample of Singaporean Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-15, April.

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    1. Andrea Bonassi & Ilaria Cataldo & Giulio Gabrieli & Moses Tandiono & Jia Nee Foo & Bruno Lepri & Gianluca Esposito, 2022. "The Interaction between Serotonin Transporter Allelic Variation and Maternal Care Modulates Instagram Sociability in a Sample of Singaporean Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-15, April.

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