Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms that have become an integral part of the lives of many people across the globe. It has been found to be used for various purposes including promotion of goods and services, entertainment, and creating awareness among others.
It also has some unique features such as allowing users to share personal experiences through pictures and videos, which may include sexual content. This paper explores how Instagram erotic self-presentation acts as a dual mechanism of empowerment and self-objectification, influencing relational confidence.
Empowerment refers to the ability of individuals to exert control and influence over their lives. Self-objectification, on the other hand, involves viewing oneself as an object of observation rather than a subjective agent. Relational confidence is defined as the belief in one's ability to form positive romantic relationships. The relationship between these three concepts can be analyzed using social psychological theories.
One theory that explains the role of empowerment in relation to self-objectification is the social cognitive theory. According to this theory, people's perceptions of their own capabilities, performance, and competence affect their behavior, feelings, and thoughts. In terms of Instagram erotic self-presentation, this theory suggests that individuals who believe they are capable of controlling their sexuality are more likely to present themselves erotically on Instagram without fear or shame. This can lead to increased relational confidence because they feel confident about their ability to attract partners.
Another theory that can explain the relationship between empowerment, self-objectification, and relational confidence is the attribution theory. This theory argues that people attribute their successes or failures to internal factors (such as skill) or external factors (such as luck). When it comes to Instagram erotic self-presentation, this theory suggests that those who believe they have control over their sexuality will attribute their successes to their skills and abilities, while those who believe it is due to chance will not develop relational confidence.
Self-objectification has been found to play a significant role in the process of Instagram erotic self-presentation.
Women who perceive themselves as objects tend to engage in risky behaviors such as posting revealing pictures on Instagram, which may result in negative effects like cyberbullying or harassment. On the other hand, women who view themselves as subjects tend to post less revealing content but experience higher levels of relational confidence due to a sense of agency and autonomy.
Instagram erotic self-presentation acts as a dual mechanism of empowerment and self-objectification, influencing relational confidence. Individuals who believe they have control over their sexuality are more likely to present themselves erotically on Instagram without fear or shame, leading to increased relational confidence.
Those who view themselves as objects may be at risk of experiencing negative consequences such as cyberbullying or harassment, while those who see themselves as subjects are more likely to feel secure and confident about forming positive romantic relationships.
How does Instagram erotic self-presentation act as a dual mechanism of empowerment and self-objectification, influencing relational confidence?
Instagram erotic self-presentation is associated with both feelings of empowerment and self-objectification among users. On one hand, it can be a way for individuals to express their sexuality and exert control over how they are perceived by others. This can lead to increased feelings of confidence in relationships, particularly if the individual feels that they are being appreciated and validated for their presentation.