Nowadays, social networks have become an integral part of the daily lives of millions of people around the world. Through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat, individuals share moments of their lives, interact with other users and build a digital image that represents who they are. The way we manage our online presence and the image we project on social media not only reflects aspects of our identity, but can also have a significant impact on our self-esteem, social relationships, and psychological well-being.
The construction of identity in social networks
Social networks offer users the possibility of revealing different facets of their personality and building a digital identity that can be perceived by others. The selection of photos, posts, likes and followers contributes to the representation of oneself online, creating an image that often differs from our offline identity. The way we decide to present ourselves on social media can be influenced by a number of factors, such as our self-esteem, personality, aspirations, and desire to be accepted and validated by our audience.
Impact on self-esteem and self-perception
Exposure on social networks can have a significant impact on individuals' self-esteem. The constant comparison with the seemingly perfect lives of other users, the search for validation through likes and comments, and the pressure to maintain an impeccable image can generate feelings of insecurity, anxiety and low self-esteem. The need to be perceived a certain way online can lead to overexposure and inauthenticity in self-representation, which in turn can negatively impact our self-perception.
The cult of the image in social networks
In the era of social networks, the image plays a central role in the way we relate to others and to ourselves. The obsession with physical appearance, popularity and number of followers has given rise to what is known as the online image cult. Retouched photos, filters that perfect our appearance, and the pressure to fit into unattainable beauty standards can create a gap between our real identity and our digital identity, generating internal and external conflicts in our daily lives.
The search for validation and social approval
In an environment where popularity and visibility on social networks have become indicators of success and personal worth, many individuals constantly seek validation and approval from other users . The number of likes, comments and followers we receive on our publications can be a determining factor in our self-esteem and emotional well-being. Reliance on positive feedback online can lead to an obsessive need for perfection and excessive self-exposure in search of validation, which in turn can affect our interpersonal relationships and mental health.
The psychological impact image on social networks
The pressure to maintain an idealized image on social networks can have significant psychological consequences in the lives of individuals. Anxiety due to constant comparison with others, fear of judgment and criticism, and the need to obtain external approval can trigger anxiety problems, depression, low self-esteem, and body image disorders. Overexposure to retouched and stereotyped images on social media can distort our perception of reality and create unrealistic expectations about how we should look and interact in the digital world.
The role of influencers and advertising in line
Influencers and public figures on social media play a significant role in promoting unattainable beauty standards and perpetuating certain ideals of perfection. Online advertising, sponsorships and brand collaborations can influence the way we perceive our image and the expectations we have regarding our physical appearance. The idealization of certain bodies, lifestyles and products can negatively impact our self-esteem and the way we relate to our own body and to others.
Conclusions
In Ultimately, the image on social media is a reflection of how we want to be seen by others and the expectations we have of ourselves. Managing our digital identity, self-acceptance and finding an authentic connection with others are fundamental aspects of preserving our mental health and emotional well-being in a digitalized world. Recognizing the importance of being authentic, respecting diversity and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion on social networks can contribute to building a more empathetic, conscious and healthy society for everyone.
Thank you for reading our article about "The image in social networks: looking and being looked at"!