New Study Says Women Post Facebook Photos To Boost Self-Esteem
She Got A Big Ego? New Study Says Women Post Facebook Photos To Boost Self-Esteem
WEDNESDAY MAR 9, 2011 – BY LESLIE PITTERSON
Finally, an explanation for why the girl on your mini-feed always has 108 new tagged photos.
A new study suggests that women who habitually post Facebook photos are seeking ways to feel better about themselves. Researchers at the University of Buffalo looked at the sharing habits of women on the social-networking site to gain further insight into their views on image, beauty and their perception of themselves. The results aren’t exactly flattering.
Lead researcher on the project, Michael A. Stefanone studied more than 300 college aged men and women and monitored their use of Facebook, emotional reactions to activity on the site. The women respondents gave their thoughts on what influences most how they think of themselves- from comments to likes, measuring responses from personal contingencies- family, close circle of friends to public contingences- all those other people listed on your “Friends” list.
Stefanone and his time found that not only were women posting more photos than men, they also were more likely to seek approval from their public contingencies. Of the women who sought the approval of their public contingencies, the majority believed that their self-worth was tied to their physical appearance.
“The results suggest persistent differences in the behavior of men and women that result from a cultural focus on female image and appearance,” said Stefanone.
It’s hard to tell if adding women outside the study’s sample would reinforce the same findings, but it there is something troublesome from just the findings of these few. Women seem to allow the reactions of people they don’t know well to govern their thoughts of themselves, ignoring the people who love them and know them the best.
Tell us Clutchettes: do you post photos for yourself or for others?
WEDNESDAY MAR 9, 2011 – BY LESLIE PITTERSON
Finally, an explanation for why the girl on your mini-feed always has 108 new tagged photos.
A new study suggests that women who habitually post Facebook photos are seeking ways to feel better about themselves. Researchers at the University of Buffalo looked at the sharing habits of women on the social-networking site to gain further insight into their views on image, beauty and their perception of themselves. The results aren’t exactly flattering.
Lead researcher on the project, Michael A. Stefanone studied more than 300 college aged men and women and monitored their use of Facebook, emotional reactions to activity on the site. The women respondents gave their thoughts on what influences most how they think of themselves- from comments to likes, measuring responses from personal contingencies- family, close circle of friends to public contingences- all those other people listed on your “Friends” list.
Stefanone and his time found that not only were women posting more photos than men, they also were more likely to seek approval from their public contingencies. Of the women who sought the approval of their public contingencies, the majority believed that their self-worth was tied to their physical appearance.
“The results suggest persistent differences in the behavior of men and women that result from a cultural focus on female image and appearance,” said Stefanone.
It’s hard to tell if adding women outside the study’s sample would reinforce the same findings, but it there is something troublesome from just the findings of these few. Women seem to allow the reactions of people they don’t know well to govern their thoughts of themselves, ignoring the people who love them and know them the best.
Tell us Clutchettes: do you post photos for yourself or for others?
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