The Psychology Of Social Media: How Platforms Shape Our Identity And Relationships

 The Psychology Of Social Media: How Platforms Shape Our Identity And Relationships

When did you last upload a post to the internet without reviewing the responses from your audience? Most  likely you have never done this. The small red heart alongside a thumbs-up and a comment function serves  more than a reaction. It’s a form of validation. The way we perceive ourselves and other people  gets influenced by social validation regardless of our conscious awareness.

The social media platforms have evolved beyond being basic  smartphone applications. Social media platforms function as the main place where people establish friendships and test their relationships and  build or fake their identities. Every selfie and story carries an underlying psychological battle between the lines. Let’s  break it down.

Your “Highlight Reel” vs. Your Real Life

The majority of us don't share the dull things, such the disorganized room, the poor hair day, or the failing test. Rather, we showcase our best selves through festivities, vacations, and edited images. This is referred to as impression management by psychologists. Selecting which sequences to include is similar to being the director of your own film.

The shock is that, eventually, we even begin to believe the film. We ask ourselves, "Am I good enough?" when we contrast our ordinary lives with everyone else's highlight reel.

The Dopamine Trap

Every like is pleasant. It's in your brain, not just in your head. The same dopamine that lights up when you eat chocolate or win a prize is released by your brain when someone responds to your post.

It keeps you hooked even if it feels fantastic. You might post for fun one day, but before you know it, you're checking your post every five minutes to see who has seen it. What happens if the likes don't come in? You feel invisible all of a sudden.

Love, Friendships, and “Online Drama”

Social media has altered the nature of interactions. You can make new acquaintances from all over the world, get back in touch with old pals, or create groups based on common interests. That's the lovely aspect.

However, there is also a darker side. Couples quarrel about who loved whose photo. Friendships break down due to unanswered "seen" messages. Additionally, you may feel left behind or envious if you are constantly reading through other people's flawless lives. The drama can sometimes be more draining than the value of the connection.

Living in Echo Chambers

Have you ever noticed how more of what you already agree with appears in your feed? That's how the algorithm operates. Although it is pleasant, it can also keep us in echo chambers, where we are only exposed to one aspect of the world. We eventually begin to associate our identities with virtual communities and lose the ability to deal with diverse viewpoints in real life.

So, What’s the Fix?

Social media is not a bad thing. Both our greatest and worst traits are reflected in it. Learning to use technology without allowing it to use us is the key.

Don't post for likes; post for yourself.

Before scrolling takes control, take a break.

Make genuine contacts offline as well.

You are ultimately more than your feed, your following count, and most definitely more than a filter. Although it may influence us, social media does not define us. You are living, not just posting, the true story of who you are.