When I’m browsing through my news feed on Facebook, it’s all selfies, smiles and happy emojis—like I’m looking at highlight reels of people’s lives. That’s not to say I’d rather be reading the bad news, but I find it interesting what people choose to share.
Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. We take that adorable picture with our significant other only to fight minutes later. But we still post the happy snapshot.
According to a recent study comparing the “Facebook-self” and “true-self,” the Facebook-self “appears to be more ‘socially acceptable’ or ‘attractive’ with families and individuals.” Users want to present themselves in a positive light, even if it’s not always the most realistic.
The desire to present your best self on social media channels stems from various psychological factors. Studies show, that mothers may portray a happy home with a newborn, without showing the challenges: staying up late for feedings, diaper changing and so on. The reason many parents put on a good show, which is often unconscious, is to conceal their unhappiness or they’re trying to improve their self-esteem.
Is it in our best interest to present a false Facebook façade? Do you think your virtual profile accurately conveys who you are? We invite you to share your comments below.
Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.
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Image Credit: Kristin Vogel
1 Comment
Pamela
Sometimes I’m even *more* open on social media, but I do take care to protect the privacy of friends and family by not posting things that might be out of bounds. Interesting to think about how to be as integrated as possible both on and offline.