The Impact of Instagram on Interpersonal Communication Patterns among Young Adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia

The Impact of Instagram on Interpersonal Communication Patterns among Young Adults in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Raduan Sharif & Sam Xin Ru

Faculty of Creative Industries, Department of Mass Communication, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Malaysia

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90400445

Received: 14 April 2025; Accepted: 21 April 2025; Published: 21 May 2025

ABSTRACT

This study examines the impact of Instagram on interpersonal communication patterns among young adults aged 18 to 26 in Klang Valley, Malaysia. As social media platforms, particularly Instagram, increasingly influence daily interactions and relationship dynamics, understanding their role in communication is crucial. The research aims to identify the primary reasons young adults engage with Instagram and explore the motivations behind its use for interpersonal communication. Utilizing a quantitative research methodology, the study involved 107 participants who were surveyed through Google Forms. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify key variables such as reasons for Instagram usage and the motivations for using the platform to communicate with friends and peers. The findings reveal that young adults in Klang Valley exhibit a generally positive attitude toward Instagram, recognizing its significant role in shaping their communication practices and fostering relationships. The study highlights how Instagram serves not only as a tool for self-expression and social connection but also as a medium that influences the way interpersonal communication is conducted within the context of modern digital interactions. This research contributes to the understanding of social media’s role in shaping communication habits among young adults, particularly within the framework of Uses and Gratification Theory, which helps explain why users turn to Instagram to satisfy their communication needs.

Keywords: Social media, Instagram, young adults, interpersonal communication, Uses and Gratification Theory.

INTRODUCTION

Communication is fundamental to human relationships, allowing individuals to exchange messages and interact with others. It is essential for mental well-being and fulfilling social connections. Interpersonal communication, once primarily face-to-face, now extends through digital mediums, reshaping how individuals relate to one another (Abed et al., 2023). With the rise of social media, particularly platforms like Instagram, communication dynamics have shifted. These platforms facilitate real-time interactions, enabling users to connect and build relationships, regardless of physical distance (Gu, 2022). Instagram, a visual-centric social network, has become increasingly popular, especially among young adults aged 18 to 26 in Malaysia, who represent the largest user base (Siddharta, 2023). Instagram not only supports personal communication but also influences how users express themselves and engage socially, blending verbal and non-verbal cues like images and emojis (Yang, 2021).

New media platforms, including Instagram, offer more interactive, user-generated content, transforming communication from traditional media forms to dynamic, two-way exchanges (Uzuegbunam, 2020). This has become particularly significant among young adults, who use Instagram to stay connected, express their identities, and cultivate social relationships (Mayangsari et al., 2021). As Instagram evolves, it serves multiple functions, from personal connection to entertainment, corporate communication, and even e-commerce (Mayangsari et al., 2021). Instagram’s growing influence highlights a shift in how young adults communicate, shaping their interpersonal interactions and social behaviors in profound ways.

The rapid growth of mobile internet and social media, particularly Instagram, has altered traditional communication methods, offering new opportunities and challenges. Young adults in the Klang Valley rely heavily on Instagram, not just for entertainment but as a key tool for maintaining relationships and expressing personal identities (Johar & Hasbullah, 2024). This growing dependence on Instagram among Malaysian young adults underscores the need to investigate the motivations behind their engagement with the platform and its impact on interpersonal communication. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as digital communication continues to evolve, raising questions about the depth and authenticity of interactions in the digital age. Therefore, this research aims to examine and analyze the role of Instagram in shaping interpersonal communication patterns among young adults in Klang Valley.

Research Objectives

The objectives of this study are:

RO1:   To identify the factors that influence Instagram usage among young adults in Klang Valley.

RO2:   To explore the motivations behind using Instagram as a platform for interpersonal communication among young adults in Klang Valley.

Research Questions

The research questions guiding this study are:

RQ1:   What are the key factors that drive Instagram usage among young adults in Klang Valley?

RQ2:   What are the primary motivations for young adults in Klang Valley using Instagram to facilitate interpersonal communication?

Significant Study

This study significant is because it will contribute to the existing gap in research regarding the examination of the factors influencing Instagram usage and explore the motivations behind its adoption as a tool for interpersonal communication among young adults in the Klang Valley. In this digital era, new media continues to evolve, it is essential to examine how platforms like Instagram shape interpersonal communication behaviors within this demographic.

The primary significance of this study is its contribution to the existing literature on social media usage by offering empirical insights into the factors influencing Instagram use among young adults. By centering on the Klang Valley, the findings will provide a localized perspective to enrich broader discussions on social media’s impact on communication.

Moreover, given that young adults aged 18 to 26 represent the largest demographic of Instagram users in Malaysia (Siddharta, 2023), the findings will shed light on how interpersonal communication interaction through Instagram impact their social relationships, identity expression, and communication skills. This is particularly relevant in understanding both the opportunities and challenges posed by Instagram, such as fostering connectivity versus contributing to social isolation or superficial interactions.

Additionally, this study could act as a part of reference for businesses, marketers, and content creators, the research offers practical knowledge about young adults’ motivations and behaviors on Instagram. Insights into how features like visual storytelling and user engagement influence communication can inform effective content strategies, audience targeting, and platform optimization.

Lastly, the study provides valuable insights for educators and communication professionals, aiming to enhance digital literacy and interpersonal skills among young adults. For instance, understanding the role of Instagram features like Stories and Direct Messages in shaping interpersonal communication can help develop strategies to promote authentic communication practices.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Factors Influencing Instagram Usage Among Young Adults

Instagram’s rise as a dominant social media platform has significantly shaped young adults’ social behaviors and interactions.

One key factor is social comparison, where users often evaluate their lives against idealized representations on the platform. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, as young adults seek validation through likes and comments (Lajunen & Haug, 2023). In contrast, self-presentation also plays a role, with young adults curating their identities and experiences to project an idealized self-image (Hong et al., 2019).

Another factor is the desire for entertainment. Instagram’s diverse content—memes, videos, and stories—satisfies young adults’ need for leisure, offering a space to unwind (Huang & Su, 2018). Additionally, information seeking is crucial, as many young adults turn to Instagram for trends, news, and events, aligning with the growing preference for visual content over traditional media (Menon, 2022).

Motivations for Interpersonal Communication Through Instagram

Motivations for using Instagram for interpersonal communication among young adults are multifaceted.

The Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) is a primary motivator. It drives young adults to stay connected with their social circles to avoid feeling excluded from shared experiences (Fumagalli et al., 2021). Additionally, Instagram helps maintain a sense of belonging by fostering relationships with friends and peers. Features like stories and privacy settings reinforce group membership, promoting interpersonal engagement (Winstone et al., 2021).

Instagram also facilitates self-expression and identity exploration. Young adults use the platform to craft and present their identities, influencing how they are perceived by others (Torres et al., 2024). The platform’s features, including selfies and posts, provide a space for selective self-presentation and deeper interpersonal connections.

Theoretical Framework

This research will apply the Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT), which explores how individuals actively seek media to satisfy personal and social needs (Kircaburun, 2020). UGT is grounded in four key assumptions: purposeful media consumption, the role of media in fulfilling specific needs, social and psychological influences on media use, and the connection between media use and interpersonal communication.

Uses and Gratification Theory (UGT)

UGT posits that media users are motivated by specific goals to fulfill their emotional, cognitive, personal, and tension-release needs. Gratifications sought refer to the benefits users expect from media, while gratifications obtained reflect the fulfillment of these needs (Kircaburun, 2020).

• Emotional needs: Instagram provides pleasure through content that uplifts or entertains users (Kasirye, 2022).
• Cognitive needs: Users seek information and learn about various topics through Instagram (Kasirye, 2022).
• Personal identity needs: Instagram helps users enhance self-esteem and social status (Kasirye, 2022).
• Tension-release needs: Instagram offers an escape from stress or negative emotions (Kasirye, 2022).

Previous Studies on UGT and Instagram

Research shows Instagram’s role in fulfilling users’ emotional, social, and informational needs. Studies by Jin et al. (2023), Chakraborty and Das (2019), and others highlight how Instagram gratifications, including social interaction and self-presentation, enhance users’ psychological responses and foster continuous platform engagement. These findings demonstrate Instagram’s impact on young adults’ interpersonal communication and overall well-being.

METHOD

This study adopts a quantitative research approach to gather and analyze numerical data that reflects how young adults use Instagram to shape their interpersonal communication patterns. As of April 2024, Malaysia had approximately 15,681,800 Instagram users, representing 44.6% of the total population. Of these users, 55.6% were women, and the 18–24 age group made up a significant portion of the user base (NapoleonCat, 2024).

The target population for this study comprises Malaysian Instagram users aged 18 to 26, with a specific focus on young adults in the Klang Valley region. Data is collected using structured questionnaires, which serve as the primary tool for obtaining relevant insights from participants.

To analyze the data, the study applies descriptive analysis to identify key factors influencing Instagram usage and to explore the motivations behind using the platform for interpersonal communication. This method helps uncover trends, patterns, and relationships within the data, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the research objectives.

The research instrument employed in this study is an online survey questionnaire. According to Lu et al. (2021), online survey questionnaires provide a direct and efficient method for obtaining information about respondents’ attitudes, behaviors, characteristics, and opinions. Furthermore, Singh and Sagar (2021) highlight that online survey questionnaires, or questionnaire- based surveys, offer a cost-effective and faster means of data collection compared to other remote data collection methods, such as telephonic interviews. These surveys eliminate the need for an interviewer and facilitate automatic data entry, enhancing efficiency and reducing human error. Additionally, online survey questionnaires enable the collection of data from participants through internet-based communication technologies, such as email and online survey platforms. In this study, online survey questionnaires were chosen for their convenience, ability to reach a broader and more diverse sample size, and potential to minimize costs associated with traditional data collection methods. This approach also provides faster turnaround times for data collection and processing, making it an ideal choice for the objectives of this research.

The questionnaire is structured into total of four sections. The first section, Section A, aims to ensure that respondents meet the research criteria and consent to participate in the study. The second section, Section B, collects demographic information, focusing on gathering respondents’ basic details to facilitate analysis in line with the research topic. This is particularly important as the target sample comprises young adults aged 18 to 26. Additionally, sections three, Section C, and section four, Section D, are organized to examine the factors influencing Instagram usage and the motivations for using Instagram as a tool for interpersonal communication. These sections include multiple- choice questions 5-Likert scale, allowing respondents to select answers based on their personal experiences. The questionnaire is designed to be concise, requiring approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete

Research Design

This study uses a quantitative approach to assess how Instagram influences the interpersonal communication patterns of young adults in Malaysia. The target group comprises Instagram users aged 18 to 26 in Klang Valley. Data will be collected via questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify key trends, motivations, and patterns in Instagram usage.

ANALYSIS

Demographic Information Section A: Demographic Information

Figure 4.1 Age of Participants

Figure 4.1 indicates there are total 107 respondents participate in this survey. 45.8% (49) of them are aged between 18 to 20 years old, 35.5% (38) of them aged between 21 to 23 years old, while 18.7% (20) of them are aged between 24 to 26 years old.

Figure 4.2 Gender of Participants

Figure 4.2 indicates that amongst 107 of survey participants, 68.2% (73) of them are female, while 31.8% (34) of them are male.

The Factors of Influencing Instagram Usage Section B: The Factors of Influencing Instagram Usage

Figure 4.3 How often do participants use Instagram?

According to the data indicates in figure 4.3, 86.8% (92) of them using Instagram in daily. Meanwhile, 7.5% (8) of them using Instagram in on a few times a week, and 2.8% (3) of them rarely using Instagram. Furthermore, 1.9% (2) of them using Instagram only once a week, while 0.9% (1) respondent have never use Instagram.

Figure 4.4 How many hours per day do participants typically spend on Instagram?

According to the data indicates above in figure 4.4, there are 52.3% (56) respondents spend at least 3 to 6 hours per day in Instagram, while 31.8% (34) of respondents spend less than 3 hours per day in Instagram. Meanwhile, 11.2% (12) of respondents spend at least 6 to 9 hours per day in Instagram, while there have 4.7% (5) of respondents spend more than 9 hours per day in Instagram.

Figure 4.5 What is the factor for participants to using Instagram?

According to the results shows above in figure 4.5, the highest score for factor of the participants in using Instagram is ‘To connect with friends and family’, which consists of 38.3% (41 participants). The second highest score is factor of ‘For entertainment’ in using Instagram, which consists of 26.2% (28). The third highest score is factor of ‘To stay update with trends and news’, which consists of 23.4% (25). Lastly, the factor of ‘To enjoy on emotional release’ consists of 9.3% (10), and 2.8% (3) of the respondents chose the factor of ‘To attention from follower’ in using Instagram.

Figure 4.6 How much do the following factors influence participants’ Instagram usage?

Figure 4.6 illustrates the factors influencing participants’ Instagram usage, highlighting that 37 participants perceive ‘Ease of use and convenience’ as having a very much influence on their Instagram usage. Additionally, in the influences of much and neutral, both indicates 32 participants feel the factor influences them much or are neutral about its influence. Meanwhile, 4 participants reported feeling not much influence, and 2 participants indicated not at all.

Furthermore, in the factor of ‘Influence from friends and family’, 35 participants perceive as having a very much influence on their Instagram usage. 33 participants reported feeling much influence, 28 participants reported feeling neutral influence, 6 participants reported feeling not much influence, while 5 participants reported feeling not at all.

Moreover, in the factor of ‘Visual appeal and content variety’ 38 participants perceive as having a much influence on their Instagram usage. 23 participants reported feeling influence very much, 29 participants reported feeling neutral influence, 6 participants reported feeling not much influence, while 2 participants reported feeling not at all.

Next, in the factor of ‘Privacy settings and control options’ 38 participants perceive as having a neutral influence on their Instagram usage. 28 participants reported feeling very much influence, 27 participants reported feeling much influence, 13 participants reported feeling not much influence, while 3 participants reported feeling not at all.

Lastly, in the factor of ‘Instagram features (e.g. Stories, Reels, Highlights)’, 46 participants perceive as having a very much influence on their Instagram usage. 32 participants reported feeling much influence, 20 participants reported feeling neutral influence, 5 participants reported feeling not at all influence, while 4 participants reported feeling not much.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study reveals a strong gender disparity in Instagram usage among young adults in Klang Valley, with over 90% of respondents identifying as female. The data shows that more than 85% of participants use Instagram daily, and 52.3% spend between 3 to 6 hours on the platform, confirming its central role in daily communication. The primary motivations for Instagram use—connecting with friends and family (38.3%), entertainment (26.2%), and staying updated on trends (23.4%)—align with the Uses and Gratifications Theory, highlighting the platform’s ability to meet users’ social and psychological needs.

Key Instagram features such as Stories, Reels, and Highlights are major drivers of engagement, fostering interpersonal connections and shaping communication patterns. A significant 68.2% of users communicate through the platform for 3 to 6 hours daily, mainly via direct messaging (48.6%) and content sharing (27.1%). Additionally, Instagram contributes to identity expression, with 43.9% of users highlighting its role in self-presentation. The platform’s impact on communication skills is also evident, particularly in enhancing visual (30.8%) and written communication.

While these findings offer valuable insights, the study’s limited sample size of 107 participants poses a constraint on generalizability. The exclusive use of quantitative methods may also overlook deeper, qualitative aspects of communication. To address these limitations, future research should expand the sample to at least 1,000 respondents and adopt a mixed-method approach, integrating surveys with interviews or focus groups for a more nuanced understanding.

In conclusion, Instagram significantly shapes how young adults in Klang Valley communicate, express themselves, and engage socially. It is not merely a platform for entertainment but a key tool for interpersonal connection and identity exploration. The platform’s features actively influence communication habits, contributing to both social interaction and skill development. As such, understanding Instagram’s role in modern communication is essential for researchers, educators, and communication professionals aiming to navigate and interpret the evolving digital landscape.

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