Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

1-2024

Abstract

Although studies have consistently indicated that heavier use of social networking sites (SNS) perpetuates poorer self-esteem outcomes, no study has examined potential intervention methods that can yield positive effects from SNS use. We hypothesized that viewing one's Instagram profile would have self-affirmative effects on self-perception because the profile typically showcases curated instrumental positive aspects of self. Furthermore, these self-affirmative effects would indirectly improve state self-esteem via enhanced clarity of self-concept. To test our hypothesis, we designed an experimental intervention study where one group viewed their Instagram profile regularly, while another group viewed a neutral abstract art profile. Using multilevel latent variable path analyses, we found that participants who viewed their own Instagram profiles felt more positive about themselves (i.e., higher state self-esteem), and their enhanced self-concept clarity mediated the relations between self-affirmative SNS use and state self-esteem. Our findings provide preliminary evidence for the guided use of SNS to boost self-esteem.

Keywords

Intervention, Multilevel latent variable path analyses, Self-affirmation, Self-concept clarity, Social networking, State self-esteem

Discipline

Cognition and Perception | Cognitive Psychology | Social Media | Social Psychology and Interaction

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Computers in Human Behavior

Volume

150

First Page

1

Last Page

9

ISSN

0747-5632

Identifier

10.1016/j.chb.2023.107972

Publisher

Elsevier

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2023.107972

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