Decreased Social Media Likes Correlated with Reduced Self-Confidence Among Young Adults
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A recent study published in the journal Emerging Adulthood has shed light on the psychological effects of receiving different levels of positive feedback, such as "Likes," on social media platforms among young adults.
The study, conducted by Bowen Xiao, Natasha Parent, Robert J. Coplan, and Jennifer D. Shapka in 2023, involved 981 undergraduate students at a university in Eastern Ontario, Canada, with an average age of 19.
The researchers found that receiving fewer Likes on social media posts is linked to lower self-esteem, reduced feelings of meaningful existence, and fewer positive emotions among young adults. This effect was particularly pronounced for individuals who identified as shy.
Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: "few Likes" (1-2), "some Likes" (4-5), or "many Likes" (9-10). The findings revealed that those who received fewer Likes reported worse emotional outcomes compared to those who received more Likes, with the difference being especially noticeable for shy individuals.
The study also showed that receiving more Likes appeared to buffer against this effect for shy individuals. However, it's important to note that previous experiences of cybervictimization did not significantly change the relationship between Likes and emotional outcomes.
The authors caution that the experimental setup may not fully capture the complexity of real-world online behavior and that their sample was limited to university students in Canada. Nevertheless, the study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that small cues in digital environments can have meaningful effects on mood and self-image.
The study's results may be relevant for designing interventions to support mental health among university students, emphasizing the importance of helping young adults manage social comparisons and interpret online feedback healthily. As social media continues to play a central role in young people's lives, understanding these dynamics may be key to fostering healthier online experiences.
The authors also suggest that future research could explore how these patterns play out across different life stages, in naturalistic online settings, and among more diverse populations.
In summary, the study highlights the psychological impact of social feedback mediated by personality traits and social comparison processes, particularly for shy young adults. It underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional consequences of social media use for mental health and well-being.
- The psychological effects of self-esteem, feelings, and emotions on young adults can be significantly influenced by the amount of positive feedback they receive on social media.
- The study in the journal Emerging Adulthood conducted by Xiao, Parent, Coplan, and Shapka in 2023 revealed that reduced positive feedback, like fewer Likes, could lead to lower self-esteem and fewer positive emotions among young adults.
- Interestingly, the impact of fewer Likes on emotional outcomes was particularly pronounced for individuals who identified as shy.
- In contrast, receiving more Likes seemed to protect shy individuals from negative emotional outcomes, showcasing the role of self-esteem and identity in psychology.
- The study also suggests that previous experiences of cybervictimization may not significantly impact the relationship between Likes and emotional outcomes.
- This research contributes to the growing field of science focused on mental health, health-and-wellness, and mental health-related issues in adulthood, especially among young adults.
- Consequently, understanding and managing social comparisons and interpreting online feedback healthily could be crucial for mental health support interventions among university students.
- Future research might investigate the relationship between Likes, social media behavior, and emotional outcomes across different life stages, populations, and in more naturalistic online settings.
