How online self-presentation affects well-being and body image: A systematic review. (April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bij de Vaate, Nadia A.J.D.; Veldhuis, Jolanda; Konijn, Elly A.
• Is Part Of: Telematics and informatics. Volume 47(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-04
• Subjects: Online self-presentation -- Lurking -- Well-being -- Body image -- Cultural variability -- Peer influence; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; Computer networks -- Periodicals; Télécommunications -- Périodiques; Réseaux d'ordinateurs -- Périodiques; 384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tele.2019.101316
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-5853

Abstract

Highlights: How active self-presentation and lurking impact well-being and body image: A review. Results indicate categorizing types of self-presentation, lurking, and well-being. Both self-presentation and lurking can enhance or diminish well-being and body image. Various mechanisms explained differences for self-presentation and lurking types. The social context is important in studying self-presentation and lurking. Abstract: Sophistication of media technologies offers increasing possibilities for selective self-presentation online. However, how self-presentation affects well-being and body image is unclear. This systematic review aimed to map to what extent and under which circumstances types of self-presentation, versus lurking, support or hamper individuals' well-being and body image. Seven scientific databases were searched, comprising 55 relevant studies in 52 publications out of 975 publications. Results were mixed: Both self-presentation and lurking can enhance or diminish well-being and body image. Self-presentation, lurking, and well-being were categorized to systematically clarify results, and vital mechanisms were determined to explain differences within and between self-presentation and lurking. For example, lurking at others generally decreased well-being, whereas authentic self-presentation increased well-being. Moreover, the studies' examined outcomes differed among studies' culture-of-origin. Finally, results showed the importance of peers in examining effects of self-presentation. Future research should delineate self-presentation types, report on cultural variability, and include peer influence.