Effects of Participating in Social Media

Effects of Participating in Social Media

I. Introduction

Social media is a relatively new method of communication since the 1990’s and most of the general public is not sure what impacts this style of communication has on our adolescents and young adults growing up in this era. It appears to have an influence both positively and negatively. Personality type and narcissism are a factor, as well as level of self-esteem. “Individuals higher in narcissism and lower in self-esteem are involved in greater amounts of online activity.” (Mehdizadeh, 2010) For some, it provides positive benefits that are “associated with social connectedness and identity development but can also lead to risks linked to social rejection, cyberbullying, depression, and more. It can also lead to risks linked to social rejection, cyber bullying, depression, and other negative consequences.” (Pettijohn, LaPiene, Pettijohn, & Horting, 2012). In the present paper, the role of social media plays in young adult’s identity and overall well-being. It is hypothesized that young adults with lower self-esteem are more negatively influenced by social media than their narcissistic peers. The following literature reviews did not provide a conclusive determination to support this hypothesis.

II. The Review of the Literature

In research by Pettijohn, et al, specific questions were addressed in this study. First, would be the age group (college students age 18-40, mixed race with the majority being white women) participating in research to identify that the use of social media, Facebook specifically, is positively or negatively related to self-esteem. Second, is the question as to whether the use of social media and the personality types of the individuals affect overall self-esteem. Participants in the study completed surveys and demographic questions. The study hypothesized that participants that viewed friendship as important to them and used Facebook more frequently had a positive influence to self-esteem. The correlation to use of Facebook friendship was weak when there was less importance on friendships.

In research by Mehdizadeh, questions regarding the effect on the participant’s use of Facebook to self-esteem were studied. “Narcissists would include more superficial self-promotion.” This study included 50% male and female, aged 18-25 years old, and were all from one university. It hypothesized that “individuals with low self-esteem and those that have high levels of narcissism would have more social media activity.” The study was conducted using a questionnaire that analyzed narcissism, personality, and amount of Facebook activity. In line with other research findings, the results of this study included that there is a correlation with how one views themselves. It is human nature to have the desire to be liked,