This research explores the impact of prioritizing idealized versus authentic self-expression on social media on users' well-being. Analyzing data from 10,560 Facebook users, the study finds a positive correlation between authentic self-expression and life satisfaction. This relationship holds across various personality profiles. A longitudinal experiment further establishes a causal link between authentic posting and positive affect and mood. The study suggests that the well-being effects of social media depend significantly on how individuals utilize the platform.
Publisher
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
Published On
Nov 16, 2020
Authors
Erica R. Bailey, Sandra C. Matz, Wu Youyou, Sheena S. Iyengar
Tags
social media
authentic self-expression
life satisfaction
well-being
positive affect
personality profiles
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