The problem of creating a false self with the development of social networks is becoming extremely popular. Significant differences between the image presented on the web and reality can “be associated with other psychological problems, beyond addiction” (Gil-Or et al., 2015). The authors of the article conducted an empirical study of Facebook users to find out the correlation between a person’s psychological state and his Internet self-presentation. The study also explores the concepts of Real, False, Ideal, and Feared selves.
The information presented in the article seems to be useful; most of all, the origin of the Ideal self is impressive. The researchers argue that what people want to be, their Ideal self, is formed “as a result of the feedback… received during the developmental period” (Gil-Or et al., 2015). The balance between reality and desire has a positive effect on a person’s entire life. Social media can be a reflection of an individual’s self-esteem and psychological state. It is also interesting how important the seemingly insignificant aspects of people’s lives can be. One way or another, they try to look better than they are, but this is, sometimes, a marker of an unhealthy personality. Creating a false identity as an improved imaginary version of oneself ultimately leads to aggravated problems due to the inability to conform to the image in reality. Thus, it is necessary to be honest, first of all, with oneself and then with others. Social networks are directly related to reality, which must always be remembered.
The use of social media by young people can be dangerous in the context of this concept. However, today people cannot exist without Internet communication, which affects their perception of themselves and others. For example, users constantly see people on Instagram who look better than they do. However, the former quickly realize that they are creating a False Internet self, wanting to achieve the Ideal self. Therefore, young people need to be less critical of themselves and realistically esteem their abilities and qualities so that their Real and Ideal selves are close to each other. It is also necessary not to dwell on the Feared self but to transform the Real and bring it closer to the Ideal so that the False Internet version is no longer so distant.
Reference
Gil-Or, O., Levi-Belz, Y., & Turel, O. (2015). The “Facebook-self”: Characteristics and psychological predictors of false self-presentation on Facebook. Frontier Psychology, 6(99), 1-10.