The psychological effects of modified self-presentation on social media

This study aims to examine the psychological effects of modified self-presentations performed by university students on social media, particularly on the Instagram platform. The main purpose of the research is to reveal the impact of modified self-presentations, adapted to media environments, on the levels of self-alienation and life satisfaction among young individuals aged 18–26. The study population consists of undergraduate students aged 18–26 who were studying at universities in Turkey during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected from a total of 400 volunteer university students selected through a convenience sampling method. The data were gathered by the researcher using a questionnaire technique. The data obtained through the scales employed in the study revealed in-depth relationships among self-presentation, self-alienation, and life satisfaction. The findings indicate that young individuals' tendency to present themselves in different or more idealized forms on social media contributes to their perceived sense of social connectedness. This situation appears to enhance life satisfaction by reducing feelings of loneliness through increased likes, attention, or social approval. However, this effect was found to be more pronounced among male participants; male students' modified self-presentations significantly reduced their perceived social isolation, and this reduction was directly reflected in their level of life satisfaction. Among female participants, on the other hand, this effect was more limited, suggesting that their ways of establishing social bonds differ or that changes in self-presentation are not equally effective in reducing feelings of loneliness. A considerable portion of the participants reported sharing content on their social media profiles that emphasized more idealized and positive aspects of themselves. It was observed that elements such as physical appearance, social environment, and lifestyle were often represented in an exaggerated manner. Furthermore, during interviews, some participants stated that the identities they constructed on social media gradually overshadowed their real selves, making it more difficult for them to understand who they truly are. It was also determined that, for some students, social media interactions temporarily boosted their self-esteem; however, this process led to the formation of a self-concept dependent on external validation. Young people modify their self-presentations on social media for various reasons. Modified self-presentation reduces individuals' sense of social isolation, and this reduction leads to an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction. However, this happiness is often superficial in nature. This finding suggests that feeling socially isolated has a negative effect on life satisfaction. In order to avoid social isolation, individuals manipulate their self-presentations on social media, appear happy, and highlight their positive traits. Such presentations reduce feelings of social loneliness and, consequently, lead to a decrease in unhappiness.