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Journals / Erciyes İletişim Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 13 Sayı: 1

The Impact of Media Literacy on Instagram Self-Presentation Among University Students

Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Instagram Benlik Sunumunda Medya Okuryazarlığının Rolü

Semra Demirdiş(ÇANKIRI KARATEKİN ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0003-1929-614X
Pages
67–84
Publication Date
2026-01-30
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

The findings revealed that students demonstrated moderate to high levels in both variables, suggesting a considerable degree of conscious media consumption and strategic self-presentation practices in digital contexts.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:Instagram is a critical environment where individuals construct and express their identities.
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Key Findings & Data:Data were collected using Media Literacy and Self-presentation scales (N=307).
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Conclusion & Impact:The findings revealed that students demonstrated moderate to high levels in both variables, suggesting a considerable degree of conscious media consumption and strategic self-presentation practices in digital contexts.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Medya Okuryazarlığı · Benlik Sunumu · Instagram

Abstract

Instagram is a critical environment where individuals construct and express their identities. This study investigates the role of media literacy in shaping self-presentation behaviours on Instagram among university students. Data were collected using Media Literacy and Self-presentation scales (N=307). The findings revealed that students demonstrated moderate to high levels in both variables, suggesting a considerable degree of conscious media consumption and strategic self-presentation practices in digital contexts. There were no significant differences in media literacy or self-presentation regarding demographic factors such as gender, grade level, and Instagram usage duration. However, media literacy significantly predicts self-presentation behaviours on Instagram, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping online identity management. These results highlight the critical role of media literacy within the context of social media. The results of the current study also point to the necessity for educational initiatives aimed at enhancing digital competencies among young adults.

Özet

Instagram, bireylerin kimliklerini inşa ettikleri ve sergiledikleri önemli alanlar haline gelmiştir. Bu çalışma, üniversite öğrencilerinin Instagram üzerindeki benlik sunumu davranışlarında medya okuryazarlığının rolünü incelemektedir. Araştırmada, 307 üniversite öğrencisinden toplanan veriler doğrultusunda öğrencilerin medya okuryazarlığı ve Instagram benlik sunumu ölçekleriyle değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, öğrencilerin her iki değişken açısından orta ile yüksek düzeyde puanlar aldığını göstermektedir. Bu durum, öğrencilerin dijital ortamlarda kısmen bilinçli medya tüketimi becerilerine sahip olduklarını ve Instagram’da kendilerini belirli ölçüde stratejik bir şekilde sunma eğiliminde olduklarını ortaya koymaktadır. Cinsiyet, sınıf düzeyi ve Instagram kullanım süresi gibi demografik değişkenler, medya okuryazarlığı ve benlik sunumu üzerinde anlamlı bir fark yaratmamıştır. Öte yandan, medya okuryazarlığı düzeyinin Instagram’daki benlik sunumu davranışlarını anlamlı bir şekilde yordadığı bulunmuştur. Bu sonuçlar, medya okuryazarlığının bireylerin çevrim içi kimlik inşasında önemli bir rol oynadığını ve sosyal medya kullanımında etkili olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Elde edilen bulgular, dijital medya okuryazarlığı eğitimlerinin önemine dikkat çekmekte ve gelecekte yapılacak çalışmalara katkı sağlamaktadır.

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Cite This Article

Demirdiş, S. (2026). The Impact of Media Literacy on Instagram Self-Presentation Among University Students. Erciyes İletişim Dergisi, Cilt: 13 Sayı: 1, 67–84. https://doi.org/10.17680/erciyesiletisim.1636963

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