PSYC 325
This project involved designing and conducting an original research project using archival data. Our objective was to identify a psychological phenomenon related to social media, and identify a gap in prior knowledge, then develop a hypothesis and a study that uses archival methods to test it. Archives include publicly-available posts to Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms.
Abstract
Social media provides a platform for fans or followers the ability to form an interpersonal relationship, albeit illusory, through frequent exposure and interaction with the media. This is known as parasocial relationship, a one-sided, pseudo-intimate interpersonal relationship. In recent years, social networking sites (SNSs) allow celebrities to self-disclose personal life experiences, personality traits and interests, and lifestyle, which may not be typically portrayed. Self-presentation, used interchangeably with impression management, is essential to the construction of one’s Self or identity, in addition to establishing a reputation in a social context. Celebrities may use impression management as a form of motivation to build a desired image in order to achieve a goal. This study seeks to explore aspects of self-presentation that may influence the development of parasocial relationship: physical attraction and perceived realism and authenticity through a visual social medium, Instagram. Results did not show any significant difference between the two facets of self-presentation on the development of parasocial relationship. Thus, the implication of the study suggests that either both facets have equal influences or none of them contribute meaningfully to the development of parasocial relationship.
Keywords: Self-Presentation, Parasocial relationship, Parasocial interaction, Social Media
In today's modern era, majority of our time are spent online, if not, in education, employment, or training. Parasocial relationship is an interesting phenomena to study, especially from the perspective of the Self and how the Self presents itself to the media. This Impact Project allowed me to improve on my critical thinking skills by analyzing social media to identify psychological phenomena, which can be explained with findings through relevant and current research.
Additionally, I also developed the skill and willingness to critically evaluate scholarly ideas and engage in scholarly community, which boosted my confidence in my communication skills.