positives

it might be hard to believe, but there are some advantages to social media on self-concept.

social media builds up of a sense of belonging and part of identity becomes the group's identity. in digital spaces, there is a chance to form bonds with those in or outside of their social circles. the digital networking space is also a place for those who have felt loneliness or like an outside to add to a collective identity of other people they have things in common with. This happens across barriers of geography. social networking sites offer a way to engage in self-expression. expressing oneself is key to identity development especially in adolescents' use of technology.

self-presentation behaviors have to do with self-expression. research by Pempek et al. in 2009 shows that monitoring online profiles gives the user a sense of control, which is a positive feeling. people feel like they can monitor their digital identity.

social media sites also reinforces social, real-life relationships. it helps keep in touch with friends with messaging, photo sending, and publicizing life updates.