The Complex Relationship Between Social Media and Self-Perception

by | Jul 29, 2024 | psychology

 

SCHOLARLY SOURCE TO USE:
https://www.apa.org/members/content/social-media-research
https://nobaproject.com/modules/conformity-and-obedience
Overview
If you’re anything like the average user, you might describe your relationship with social media as complicated. On one hand, your engagement in educational, awareness-raising, social-media groups and communities can have an empowering impact on your life and the world around you. On the other hand, you have witnessed people using social media as a platform for expressing divisive and hateful attitudes that leave you wondering: How can something that is supposed to connect us leave us feeling so disconnected?
The attitudes, beliefs, and values that we convey with our online presence can have a dramatic positive or negative impact on the well-being of ourselves and others. However, when we choose to use social media as a mechanism for improving the human condition, it can transform lives for the better—one post at a time.
Prompt
For this journal activity, you will respond in 3 to 5 sentences to each of the following rubric criteria:
• Describe the implications of using the experiences and outcomes that a person chooses to post about on social media as a measure of your sense of adequacy.
• Describe the implications of using the attitudes and abilities that a person chooses to post about on social media as a confirmation of your own attitudes and abilities.
• Describe the implications of comparing your abilities and outcomes to the abilities and outcomes that others choose to publish about on social media.
• Describe the implications of using reciprocity as a measure of the quality of your relationships with others on social media.
• Describe what type of impression you believe a profile image makes across various platforms (e.g., personal, such as Facebook and Instagram; professional, such as LinkedIn) and why the social media identity you choose to convey matters.
• Describe the ways in which the attitudes, beliefs, and values that are broadcasted on social media can influence others to take constructive action and effect positive change in their lives.

 

Sample solution

Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell. 

In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.


This question has been answered

God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.

Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.

To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.

 

References

Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.

Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.

Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

The Complex Relationship Between Social Media and Self-Perception

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, offering a platform for self-expression, connection, and community engagement. However, it also raises questions about self-worth, comparison, and the impact of digital identities on relationships. This essay examines the implications of social media on our sense of adequacy, attitudes, abilities, and relationships.

Sense of Adequacy

The experiences and outcomes we choose to share on social media can significantly influence our sense of adequacy. When individuals curate their posts to highlight achievements and positive experiences, it can create an unrealistic benchmark for others. This selective sharing fosters a culture of comparison, where users measure their worth against the often idealized portrayals of others. As a result, many may feel inadequate or discontented with their own lives, leading to anxiety and decreased self-esteem.

Confirmation of Attitudes and Abilities

Social media acts as a mirror reflecting not only our own attitudes and abilities but also those of our peers. When individuals showcase their skills or opinions online, others may internalize these as confirmations of their own beliefs and capabilities. This phenomenon can reinforce existing biases and create echo chambers where dissenting opinions are drowned out. The implications are profound: rather than fostering growth through diverse perspectives, social media can inadvertently stifle critical thinking and promote conformity.

Comparison with Others

Comparing our abilities and outcomes with those depicted on social media can lead to detrimental effects on mental health. The constant exposure to curated success stories can skew our perception of reality, leading to feelings of envy or inadequacy. This comparison trap often overlooks the effort and struggles behind the scenes, perpetuating a cycle of dissatisfaction. Ultimately, such comparisons can diminish motivation and hinder personal development by fostering a culture of competition rather than collaboration.

Reciprocity and Relationship Quality

Reciprocity on social media plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of relationship quality. The expectation of mutual engagement—likes, comments, shares—can create a superficial measure of connection. When individuals feel that their contributions are not reciprocated, it may lead to feelings of rejection or isolation. This transactional nature of online interactions risks undermining the depth and authenticity of relationships, making it challenging to cultivate genuine connections.

Profile Image and Social Media Identity

The impression made by a profile image varies significantly across different platforms. For instance, a casual photo on Facebook or Instagram conveys approachability and personal warmth, while a polished image on LinkedIn suggests professionalism and competence. The social media identity we choose to convey matters immensely; it influences how we are perceived by others and can shape opportunities in both personal and professional contexts. A well-thought-out online presence communicates not only who we are but also our values and aspirations.

Influence on Constructive Action

Finally, the attitudes, beliefs, and values broadcasted on social media hold the power to inspire constructive action and promote positive change. When users share uplifting stories or advocate for causes, they can motivate others to engage in meaningful activities or adopt healthier habits. The ripple effect of such positive messaging can catalyze community action and foster a sense of collective purpose. However, this potential is often clouded by negativity and divisiveness; thus, curating content that uplifts can be transformative.

In conclusion, while social media offers opportunities for connection and empowerment, it also presents challenges that can affect self-perception and relationships. By understanding these dynamics, users can cultivate a more positive online experience that enhances personal well-being and fosters authentic connections with others.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer