Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture

Investigating the effect of personality traits on the profile of Instagram girl users (case study; girls referred to some psychological centers in Qom)

Document Type : .

Authors

Fatemeh Amani Hamedani 1
abbas habibzadeh 2

1 Graduated from Master of Counseling, Azad University of Qom,Qom,Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.

10.30465/ismc.2025.45311.2731
Abstract
Abstract
Social networks occupy a significant part of people's time. It is necessary to research and study this type of social network and the behavioral model of users for the possible damages that any technology can bring. For this purpose, the present research was conducted to determine the relationship between the profile options of female Instagram users (20-24 years old) and their personality traits among users who refer to psychological centers in Qom. In this way, among the 20-24-year-old single girls who used Instagram in the psychological centers of Qom, 170 people were selected by the "available" method. To collect data, the Neo Personality Questionnaire (short form) was used. The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient method. The results showed that among the 5 personality traits (psychoticism, openness, agreeableness, extroversion, and conscientiousness), none of the self-disclosure characteristics of the studied sample through name and photo in the Instagram relationship profile was significant. Also, among these 5 personality traits, 3 traits of neuroticism, openness, and agreeableness had no significant relationship with self-disclosure in the Instagram bio of the studied users. But at the same time, 2 personality traits of "extroversion and conscientiousness" have a user interface and meaning with self-disclosure in the Instagram bio of users. From the results, it is inferred that people who were more extroverted or conscientious provided more self-disclosure by presenting their bio on Instagram.The present study aimed to examine the relationship between Instagram profile options of female users and their personality traits among 20–24-year-old women attending psychological centers in Qom. Data were collected using the standard short form of the NEO Personality Inventory. The results showed no significant relationship between personality traits and self-disclosure through name and profile picture. However, two personality traits—extraversion and conscientiousness—had a positive and significant relationship with self-disclosure through the Instagram bio section.

Keywords: Social networks, Instagram, personality traits, self-disclosure, young women, psychological centers


Introduction

With the rapid expansion of the internet and social media—particularly Instagram—social interactions have undergone fundamental changes. Users express various aspects of their personality and attitudes indirectly through images, texts, and interaction choices on these platforms. Among Iranian users, especially the younger generation, Instagram has become a prominent medium for identity expression, interaction, and social relationship building. Understanding users’ behavior in virtual spaces can provide deeper insight into their psychological and social dimensions; therefore, examining the relationship between personality traits and self-disclosure behaviors on social media is of great importance. In this context, the present study explores the relationship between Instagram profile elements (name, photo, and bio) of young women and their personality traits.


Materials & Methods

This study employed a descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population included single women aged 20–24 who had active Instagram accounts and visited psychological centers in the city of Qom. Out of 300 potential participants, 170 individuals were selected through convenience sampling. Data were gathered using the short form of the NEO Personality Inventory, which measures the Big Five personality dimensions: neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Information related to users’ profiles—including username, profile picture, and bio text—was collected through direct observation of their Instagram accounts. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS software.


Discussion & Results

The findings indicated no significant relationship between any personality traits and self-disclosure through username or profile picture. In contrast, extraversion and conscientiousness showed a positive and significant correlation with self-disclosure in the Instagram bio section. In other words, extroverted and conscientious users tended to include more personal information in their bios and showed a greater inclination to present themselves. This suggests that extroverted individuals, due to their sociability and expressiveness, make more active use of Instagram’s self-presentation features. Conscientious individuals, on the other hand, tend to present themselves more precisely and honestly, reflecting their sense of responsibility and organization. No significant relationship was found between neuroticism, openness, or agreeableness and bio self-disclosure. These results are consistent with previous studies such as Mark & Ganzach (2014) and Wilson (2010).


Conclusion

According to the study’s findings, patterns of self-disclosure in virtual spaces—particularly Instagram—are significantly influenced by users’ personality traits. Extroverted and conscientious individuals are more likely to express themselves through their bios, while other traits do not show a meaningful effect. The results of this study can be applied in media psychology, counseling, and digital literacy education to raise awareness of how personality traits shape online behavior, ultimately helping to mitigate potential psychosocial harms

Keywords

Social networks
Instagram
personality traits
self-disclosure
young women
psychological centers
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Interdisciplinary Studies in Media and Culture
Volume 15, Issue 2 - Serial Number 30
Autumn and Winter 2025-2026
March 2026
Pages 61-89

  • Receive Date 26 April 2023
  • Revise Date 11 November 2025
  • Accept Date 15 November 2025
  • Publish Date 20 February 2026

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