Social media has become an integral part of modern life, allowing people to connect with others from all around the world and share their thoughts, experiences, and interests.
The rise of social media has also led to significant changes in how individuals view themselves and their place within society. In this essay, I will explore how social media usage impacts individuals' self-perception and the internalization of societal standards.
It is essential to consider how social media users compare themselves to others. Social media platforms often showcase images of seemingly perfect lives, creating unrealistic expectations that can negatively affect one's sense of self-worth.
Instagram feeds filled with pictures of beautiful bodies and exotic vacations may lead some users to feel inadequate compared to these idealized representations. Similarly, Facebook posts boasting about career successes and personal achievements can create feelings of envy or inadequacy in those who do not have similar accomplishments. This constant comparison between oneself and the perceived "ideal" can lead to low self-esteem, body image issues, and other mental health concerns.
Social media shapes the way individuals understand societal norms and values. Platforms like Twitter provide a space for users to voice opinions and engage in discussions about various topics, including politics, culture, and gender roles. The discourse on these platforms can influence individual perspectives on these subjects, potentially leading to conformity with mainstream ideologies.
Social media can expose individuals to new ideas and beliefs, broadening their understanding of the world but also making them susceptible to external influences that may clash with their own values.
Social media has become a tool for shaping public perceptions and creating cultural trends. Influencers on YouTube and TikTok, for instance, have incredible power over what products and services people buy, wear, and listen to, effectively dictating cultural standards and influencing group identity formation. These influencers often promote specific lifestyles, beauty standards, and behaviors, which can create pressure to conform to these expectations. As such, social media use can reinforce traditional gender roles and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Social media has profoundly impacted how individuals view themselves and society. While it offers opportunities for connection and expression, its comparative nature can lead to feelings of inadequacy and conformity to unrealistic standards. It is essential for users to be mindful of the effects of social media usage on their self-perception and consider alternative ways of interacting with others online to avoid the pitfalls mentioned above.
How does the comparative culture of social media users shape their self-perception and the internalization of societal standards?
The research shows that social media users can be affected by their cultural backgrounds and comparisons to others in shaping their self-perception and internalizing societal standards. Studies indicate that individuals from collectivist cultures tend to have lower levels of self-esteem when exposed to images of other people with high self-esteem on social media, which suggests that they may compare themselves more to others and become less satisfied with their personal identity (Liu et al. , 2018).