The Social Media Effect

Publication Date

Spring 3-23-2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Department

Sociology, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Ken Spring

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

This research, conducted in a social research methods class, examines how social media influences the self-concept of adolescents and young adults, with a focus on self-esteem, body image, and identity development. It explores how platforms like Instagram and TikTok create environments that encourage social comparison, peer feedback, and curated self-presentation, all of which shape how individuals perceive themselves. The findings show that frequent exposure to idealized images and lifestyles often leads to lower self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, particularly among young women. Addictive patterns of use and reliance on online validation—such as likes and comments—further tie self-worth to external approval, increasing risks of anxiety and negative mental health outcomes. At the same time, social media serves as a space for identity exploration, allowing users to experiment with how they present themselves and receive feedback from others. Overall, the research highlights the complex impact of social media: while it can support self-expression and connection, it often reinforces comparison and unrealistic standards, which can negatively affect self-perception during a critical stage of identity formation.

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