Genetic predispositions and early parent-child relationship are related to Instagram behaviour

predispositions can influence in the same way online as well as offline virtual social abilities in adulthood. To better understand the interplay that influences social behaviour, this research explores the interaction between the oxytocin receptor (OXTr) gene and early parent-child relationship in shaping Instagram users' social attitudes. Self-report questionnaire Parental Bonding Instrument was used to evaluate participants' (N = 57; 41 females) early parental care. Individuals' social parameters (number of followings, followers, posts) and indexes (the Social Desirability Index or SDI estimated by the ratio between followers' and followings' number) were collected using a Python tool and standardized by z-scores. Buccal mucosa cell samples were collected to assess participants' genetic predispositions. Regions OXTr/rs2254298 (G/G homozygotes vs A-carriers), OXTr/rs53576 (A/A homozygotes vs G-carriers) and 5-HTTLPR/rs255331 (T/T homozygotes vs C-carriers) were analyzed. We hypothesized a cross interaction between genetic groups and parental bonding scores on the number of followings and posts. We identified a gene-environment interaction for OXTr/rs2254298 on posts' number. Moreover, two interaction effects were detected on the SDI between maternal overprotection and OXTr/rs2254298 and between maternal care and 5-HTTLPR/rs255331.