negatives

now for the negatives, which seem to be easier to think of than positives. social comparison was touched on earlier in the issue, but especially pertaining to self-identity formation and maintenance — the constant feed of seeing other peoples' seemingly happy lives, bodies, fashion, family and partner life, and events is a place for peer comparison to happen. it is as though the "ideal selves" are the online version of people's concepts. comparing ourselves to the selves of others may also bring about a lower self-confidence and self-esteem. the value that one has for themselves and how they value their attributes can be lessened when continuously seeing others' lives. there is also a need to be "on" and have a Facebook-worthy look, something that Boon & Sinclair in 2009. online profiles can be fabricated so easily especially in a way that reinforces cultural and social norms. we've discussed a sense of belonging on the previous page for the positives, but this can also be a negative effect of social media on self-concept. the need to always fit in and follow social norms in the digital spaces can be a toxic way of self-presenting.