Social media has become an integral part of adolescent life in modern society, providing them with various platforms to express themselves and connect with others. One aspect that has gained much attention is how they present themselves online through their aesthetic choices, such as clothing, makeup, hairstyle, body type, etc. These decisions reflect their sense of morality and feelings, which play a crucial role in shaping who they are and what they stand for.
Research suggests that social media users tend to engage in self-presentation strategies to project specific images of themselves, often creating an idealized version of reality.
Some may post pictures of themselves looking thin or muscular, exaggerating their attractiveness or success, while concealing imperfections or failures. They might also choose to edit photos to enhance physical features or delete unflattering ones. This can lead to a discrepancy between their online personas and real selves, affecting their authenticity levels. Second, the pressure to conform to societal norms regarding beauty standards contributes to this trend. Adolescents may feel compelled to meet expectations based on race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability, religion, or other factors, leading to cognitive dissonance and lowered self-esteem if they don't measure up.
Social media's use of metrics like likes, comments, followers, and shares reinforces the value placed on image over substance. A higher number of these indicators implies greater popularity or influence but does not necessarily correspond with emotional well-being or personal growth. Adolescents may prioritize superficial values at the expense of their true interests or passions, causing them to question their genuineness. Fourth, adolescent identity formation is a complicated process involving trial and error; they may adopt various identities until settling into one that feels right. Social media offers opportunities for experimentation but can also create confusion as they try out different styles, hobbies, beliefs, or relationships, making it challenging to differentiate between who they are and what they want to be seen as.
Some research suggests that social media can promote mental health issues in teens by increasing feelings of isolation, envy, and low self-worth.
Comparing themselves to others' seemingly perfect lives can cause anxiety or depression, and excessive engagement may lead to addiction. Consequently, presenting an idealized version of oneself on social media could exacerbate existing problems rather than addressing underlying concerns.
While social media provides new ways to express oneself creatively and connect with peers, it also raises questions about how authentic we can truly be online without sacrificing our inner selves.
In what ways does the aesthetic presentation of the self on social media intersect with adolescents' construction of moral and emotional authenticity?
The presentation of oneself on social media is becoming an increasingly important aspect of teenage identity formation in our digital age. While some may argue that this practice encourages false and unrealistic representations of reality, others claim that it allows for creative expression and personal exploration. From this perspective, adolescents can create their idealized versions of themselves through the curating of content and selection of images that highlight specific traits or interests.