Social media and online self-presentation: Effects on how we see ourselves and our bodies

Social media are becoming more and more popular. Many adolescents and adults present themselves online through a social network site or dating profile. Such widespread engagement in self-presentation on social media may have implications for how we see ourselves and our bodies. These self-views, in turn, can have important consequences for our mental health and well-being. This dissertation investigates negative as well as positive effects of social media use and online self-presentation on self-views of adolescents and adults. Regarding negative effects, this dissertation investigates whether, when, and how social media use leads to an increased focus on one’s own physical appearance, increased dissatisfaction with one’s own appearance, and increased desire to alter the own physical appearance using cosmetic surgery. Regarding positive effects, this dissertation investigates whether, when, and how online self-presentation can increase self-esteem. The findings can inform policy making regarding the discouragement of negative effects and the encouragement of positive effects of social media on self-views.