Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

The Possible Development of the Ideal Self-Through Social Networking Sites among Adolescents


Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, Montfort College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2 Sampuma Institute of Advaneed Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


The main objective of this study is to identify the possible role of social networking sites in the development of the ideal self. A study was conducted in which samples of 8 adolescents were interviewed regarding their usage of a social networking site (facebook) and the development of their ideal self. Data was derived using a semi structured interview which was analysed using thematic analysis. The global themes that were drawn trom the study were futuristic thinking of career options, development of an image of recognition and creation of a better self for the future. The results tried establishing that social; networking sites aid in the development of certain aspects of the self. The implications of this study includes looking at the technological aspect that could impact self-development, understanding the repercussions of the in congruency between the real self and the ideal self, and assessing the impact these repercussions could have on mental health.

Keywords

Ideal Self, Social Networking, Impact of Technology on Self.
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • Apatkau (2013). Response: The actual ideal self: Social networking and selfdiscrepancy theory [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://newmediagenres.org/2013/03/24/response-the-actual-ideal-self-social-networking-and-self-discrepancy-theory/

  • Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research i-n Psychology, 3,77-101.

  • Crossman, A. (n.d). Purposive sample. Retrieved from http://sociology.about.com/od/Types-of-Samples/a/Purposive-Sample.html

  • Dube, R. (2014). Characteristics of social networks. Retrieved from http://socialnetworking.lovetoknow.com/Characteristics_of_Social_Networks

  • Green, R.K. (2013, July 8). The social media effect: Are -you really who you portray online? The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/r-kay-green/the-social-media-effect-a_b_3721029.html

  • Higgins, E. T. (197). Self-discrepancy: A theory relating self and affect. Psychological Revzew,94(3),319-3140.

  • Key, D.E., Mannella, M.T., McCombs, A., & Gilroy, F.D. (2000). An evaluation of Higgins self-discrepancy theory and an instrument to test its postulates. Journal of Social Behavior a-nd Personality, 75(3), 303-320.

  • Lister, M. et al. (2010). New media: A critical introduction. New York: Routledge.

  • Nyagah, V.W., Stephen, A., & Mwania, J.M. (2015). Social networking sites and their influence on the self-esteem of adolescents in Embu County, Kenya. Journal of Educational Policy and E-ntrepreneurial Research (JEPER), 2(1), 87-92.

  • Przybylski, A.K., Weinstein, N., Murayama, K., Lynch, M.F., &Ryan, R.M. (2011). The ideal self at play: The appeal of video games that let you be all you can be. Association of Psychological Science and SAGE publications.

  • Yahaya, A., Lee, G.M., Ma’alip, H., Ku, Z.P., Tuah, D., Ali, Z.M., Kasah, K.H., Sis, Z.B.M. (2015). The impact of social networking on 'behaviour development among secondary school students. Springer International Publishing Switzerland.

  • Yang, C.C., & Brown, B. (2015). Online self-presentation on facebook and self development during the college transition. Journal ofYouth Adolescence, 45, 402-416.


Abstract Views: 476

PDF Views: 0




  • The Possible Development of the Ideal Self-Through Social Networking Sites among Adolescents

Abstract Views: 476  |  PDF Views: 0

Authors

Durga Menon
Department of Psychology, Montfort College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Neha Parashar
Sampuma Institute of Advaneed Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract


The main objective of this study is to identify the possible role of social networking sites in the development of the ideal self. A study was conducted in which samples of 8 adolescents were interviewed regarding their usage of a social networking site (facebook) and the development of their ideal self. Data was derived using a semi structured interview which was analysed using thematic analysis. The global themes that were drawn trom the study were futuristic thinking of career options, development of an image of recognition and creation of a better self for the future. The results tried establishing that social; networking sites aid in the development of certain aspects of the self. The implications of this study includes looking at the technological aspect that could impact self-development, understanding the repercussions of the in congruency between the real self and the ideal self, and assessing the impact these repercussions could have on mental health.

Keywords


Ideal Self, Social Networking, Impact of Technology on Self.

References