Question

A 500-750-word essay on the ‘social self’ and the various social media outlets. Remember to carefully read the assignment details found in your Syllabus as well as the Grading Rubric for that assignment. You need to include 2-3 ‘scholarly’ resources, and if you use your textbook as one resource, I would ask that you try and incorporate an additional ‘outside’ source if possible.

Answer 1

Social self is something which is being widely researched by social psychologists in various parts of the world. The simple reason why the theme has gained much popularity is because most people nowadays derive their sense of identity is through the approval and validation they receive on social media. The other reason why it is much researched is also because for different personality types, it may have a different meaning. To certain introverts, its almost like having an outlet where they can free associate and easily express their thoughts without feeling an intimidation of a direct interface. In fact many cases have been seen in the past wherein social media has led to irrepairable manage in the lives of many. Some of them are models coaxed into getting photoshoots posted online. The need for the constant validation leads them to do more and more manipulation and in subtle ways drift apart from their real self in order to portray as being someone they are not. The depression and sub-conscious anxiety arising from them has been hazardous as well. In fact, scientific research has now conveyed that the brain releases the same chemicals at the time of receiving a 'like'/approval on social media as it does when an addict receives the source of stimulation in the case of substance abuse. The danger can thus be put into perspective through these facts. The researches are alarming and are nothing but an interation of the fact that we need to detach from such sources of validation in order to re-create the real interpersonal relationships that lead to long term happiness and more fulfilling lives at the end.