Image and identity: Media literacy for young adult Instagram users

This article focuses on the importance of developing young adult media literacy skills in relation to Instagram use. Millions of young adults use image-based communication to connect with others on social networking sites. This form of ubiquitous connection has consequences for young adults' online, offline and parasocial relationships. Social media literacy results from understanding Instagram’s utility, the downfalls of social comparisons made between online relationships and how to better define genuine belongingness as it relates to mediated communication.