Similarity between perceived selves on social media and offline and its relationship with psychological well-being in early and late adulthood

Abstract

Previous research observed that people are different on social media than in physical life. Do people's subjective perceptions of themselves match these observations and does such subjective reality matter? Little research has examined whether people perceive themselves as the same between offline and social media contexts. The present research addressed whether people perceive themselves as the same on social media as offline (Studies 1 and 2), whether such perceptions are related positively vs. negatively to psychological well-being (Study 2), and these relations across generations (Study 2)—focusing on Generation Z (early adulthood) and Baby Boomers (late adulthood). Participants (total N = 1741) reported perceptions of themselves specified for offline and social media contexts (e.g., Big Five personality) and submitted records of their logged mobile phone use. Study 2 participants completed measures of psychological well-being (e.g., depression, life satisfaction). Across studies, participants perceived themselves as similar but not the same between offline and social media contexts. Baby Boomers perceived themselves as more similar between offline and social media than Generation Z, even when controlling for logged mobile phone use. Perceiving oneself as similar between social media and offline showed small, negative relationships with psychological well-being in Generation Z. Some young media users may be less depressed and more satisfied with life when they perceive themselves differently online. Findings are discussed in light of widespread concern with social media use and well-being in young people, as well as the implications for theories of self-consistency in daily life.