The concept of family rejection is an important aspect that has been studied extensively in the field of psychology. Family rejection can take place both offline and online.
This study focuses on the impact of witnessing family rejection online on an individual's self-perception. It looks at how individuals perceive themselves after experiencing family rejection through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, WhatsApp, etc.
Family rejection refers to a situation where members of one's immediate or extended family reject them based on their identity, values, beliefs, behaviors, or choices. When it occurs online, it means that someone within the family posts or shares something about you that they do not approve of, which results in public disapproval, criticism, insult, or shaming. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, depression, and isolation. The impact of witnessing family rejection online goes beyond emotional pain; it also affects an individual's self-perception.
Self-perception refers to the way people see themselves based on their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Individuals with high self-perception tend to have positive views of themselves, while those with low self-perception view themselves negatively. Witnessing family rejection online can significantly affect self-perception by lowering an individual's sense of worth, value, and esteem. This happens because when others criticize or humiliate us, we internalize these messages and begin to believe that we are not worthy or valuable enough. We start doubting our decisions, actions, choices, and even who we are as individuals. As a result, we may lose confidence in ourselves and become more anxious and insecure.
Witnessing family rejection online can lead to social isolation and loneliness, making it difficult for individuals to build new relationships. It can also harm existing relationships with friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. People may feel ashamed to reveal their true selves out of fear of being rejected again.
This can lead to poor mental health, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To prevent the negative effects of witnessing family rejection online, individuals should take steps to protect their privacy and keep sensitive information offline. They should seek support from friends, relatives, therapists, and other professionals who understand their situation.
They should work on building resilience, practicing self-compassion, and cultivating a positive self-image.
Witnessing family rejection online has far-reaching implications on an individual's self-perception. It can lower their sense of worth, value, and esteem, leading to poor mental health and social isolation.
Taking proactive measures such as seeking support and working on self-care strategies can help individuals cope with this painful experience and regain their self-esteem.
How does witnessing family rejection online affect self-perception?
Witnessing family rejection on social media can have profound effects on one's self-perception. One may feel isolated from their family members who are physically distant due to geographical or other reasons, which may lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnection. They may also experience confusion and distress as they try to understand why they were excluded or rejected by their loved ones.