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What motivates people to post selfies on social media, and how does it impact their self-esteem and relationships
People post selfies on social media for a variety of reasons, including to boost their self-confidence, seek attention, improve their mood, preserve a memory, and conform to social norms. According to a study of American adolescents, females had a higher level of selfie appearance investment than males, reflecting the effort put into selecting and editing selfies and worrying about appearance and concerns over peer feedback.
The motivation to post selfies can also be driven by narcissistic tendencies, with individuals taking and posting selfies as a way to feed their grandiose narcissism. In fact, research has shown that people who score high on narcissism tend to post more selfies, especially ones with only themselves in the photo.
However, the constant need for validation through selfies can have a negative impact on an individual's self-esteem and relationships. The constant seeking of likes and comments can become addictive, and individuals may feel a sense of validation only when they receive positive feedback on their appearance. This can lead to a pessimistic outlook, social withdrawal, and feelings of inferiority.
Moreover, the constant comparison to others on social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. A study found that people who spend more time on social media are more likely to feel socially isolated, even if they have a large number of friends and followers.
In addition, the pressure to present a perfect image on social media can lead to anxiety and depression. A study of young adults found that those who spent more time on social media were more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms.
In conclusion, while posting selfies can provide a temporary boost to self-esteem, the constant need for validation and the pressure to present a perfect image can have negative consequences for mental health. It is essential to maintain a healthy balance between social media use and real-life interactions and to seek validation from within rather than relying solely on external sources.
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