Influencers' Lived Experience on Instagram From Political Activism in the 2022 Protests

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Associate Professor, The University of Tehran

2 M.A in Media and Cultural Studies, The University of Tehran

10.22059/ijsp.2026.396716.671320

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of Instagram influencers during the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests in Iran. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 11 influencers and ethnographic observation of their Instagram pages, the research investigates how these figures navigated the complex terrain of political expression under social, economic, and security challenges. The findings reveal a spectrum of influencers strategies ranging from silence to solidarity and critical engagement toward followers. These strategies were shaped not only by political beliefs but also by brand identity, market dependencies, and personal fears. Audiences played a decisive role in shaping influencer content through feedback, criticism, and pressure to conform. The study concludes that political engagement on Instagram was less about deliberate activism and more about everyday negotiation and responsive adaptation to collective expectations.

Keywords

Journal of Social Problems of Iran

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 14 February 2026

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