Exploring Adolescents’ Experiences with Adult Content on Instagram: A Phenomenological Study in Makassar

Abstract

The rapid growth of social media has made Instagram one of the most prominent platforms in adolescents’ everyday lives. Although Instagram provides opportunities for self-expression and social interaction, it may also expose users to adult content, with potential implications for adolescents’ psychological, social, and moral development. This study explored the lived experiences of adolescents in Makassar City who encountered adult content on Instagram. A qualitative phenomenological design was employed. Twelve adolescents aged 13–18 years were recruited using purposive sampling and participated in in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The analysis generated four main themes: (1) curiosity and initial exposure, (2) emotional and psychological responses, (3) coping strategies, and (4) the influence of cultural and religious values. Participants’ accounts indicated that curiosity frequently contributed to initial exposure, which elicited varied emotional and psychological responses. Adolescents employed different coping strategies, while cultural and religious values shaped how they interpreted and managed their encounters with such content. The findings demonstrate that Indonesian adolescents are not merely passive recipients of digital content but actively negotiate their experiences within prevailing cultural and religious norms. This study extends understanding of adolescent digital experiences in Southeast Asia and may inform the development of culturally responsive digital literacy education and parental guidance strategies.