To what extent do people's self-presentations on social media platforms affect their attractiveness, social approval, and romantic potential both online and offline?
Social media has had a significant impact on society, particularly regarding how individuals communicate, connect, and interact with others. It has evolved into an indispensable aspect of daily life for many individuals around the world, with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Snapchat, etc., having billions of active users across various demographics. Self-presentation is essential to social media communication because it enables individuals to manage impressions and portray themselves in ways that are favorable to them while maintaining their desired image among their audience. This study explores the role of sexual self-presentation on social media platforms and its influence on perceived attractiveness, social validation, and relational desirability across digital and real-life contexts.
Methodology
This research examines the effects of sexual self-presentation on social media platforms through a systematic review of previous studies. The literature search was conducted using the keywords "social media," "sexuality," "self-presentation," "attractiveness," "validation," "desirability," "relationships." The data were retrieved from academic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Articles published between January 2015 and December 2020 were used in this review. To be included in the analysis, each article must address sexual self-presentation on social media platforms, its influence on perceived attractiveness, social validation, or relational desirability, both online and offline.
Findings
The results show that sexual self-presentation on social media can affect how people present themselves in different contexts.
Individuals who post provocative images on social media may receive more positive feedback and validation than those who do not.
This validation may not always translate into actual romantic success in real life. Some studies suggest that individuals who use explicit language or depict themselves sexually on social media may experience increased rejection by potential partners compared to those who avoid sexual self-presentation altogether.
The findings indicate that there is a significant gap between what individuals post online and their true selves, which can create discrepancies in perception and lead to miscommunication when meeting face-to-face.
The study concludes that sexual self-presentation on social media has mixed effects on perceived attractiveness, social validation, and relational desirability across digital and real-life contexts. While it can increase attention and likability among audiences, it may also have detrimental effects on individual's relationships with others. It is important for individuals to carefully consider the impact of their self-presentation on social media and balance it with their real-life interactions to avoid misrepresenting themselves or creating unrealistic expectations about their romantic potential. Future research should focus on exploring strategies for effective sexual self-presentation on social media while maintaining healthy interpersonal communication in real-life situations.
How does sexual self-presentation on social media platforms influence perceived attractiveness, social validation, and relational desirability across digital and real-life contexts?
Sexual self-presentation on social media platforms can influence perceived attractiveness, social validation, and relational desirability across both digital and real-life contexts. This is because the way people present themselves online can have an impact on how they are perceived by others, including potential romantic partners.