Visual Literacy and the STEAM Approach in the Instagram Content of @IDEMAIN_JAB

Abstract

This study analyses the role of visual literacy in presenting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) content on the Instagram account @idemain_jab using a netnographic approach. The analysis shows that visual elements such as contrasting colours, simple symbols, patterns, and animations are used to simplify complex STEAM concepts, making them easier to understand. Each post combines visual aesthetics with educational narratives in simple language and expressive emojis, enhancing user comprehension and engagement. Emerging themes include visual experiments, children’s independence, artistic integration, visual effects as learning appeal, educational infographics, cultural symbolism, and safety aspects of experiments. Active user interactions, such as comments, likes, and reposts, demonstrate the effectiveness of visual literacy in fostering participation and knowledge exchange. Visual literacy not only enhances understanding and learning motivation but also promotes community identity, encourages creativity, and cultivates critical and collaborative thinking skills.