The role of selfie sharing (selfie-photo) in the effect of social media users on self-perception and body image

This thesis aims to analyze and reveal the social (digital) identity presented by social media influencers through their shared photographs and selfies, interpreting the selfperception and body image that followers might be influenced by, according to Carl Gustav Jung's archetype: With the widespread use of social media, significant changes have occurred in how users express themselves and perceive their body image. Social media influencers, particularly those with large followings, have a profound impact on their follower: In this study, a semiotic analysis was conducted on selfies and five posed photographs shared by three influencers, each with over 1 million followers on the Instagram platform, using the semiotic methods of Ferdinand de Saussure and Roland Barthe: The results were then interpreted within the framework of Carl Gustav Jung's archetype theory. Jung's archetype theory helps to reveal how influencers construct a social identity through their posts, while the semiotic analysis method deciphers the meanings of the visual and symbolic signs present in the selfie: In this context, elements such as facial expressions, body postures, backgrounds, and filters used in the selfies of these influencers were analyzed in detail. Barthes' mythology theory provided a foundation for uncovering the cultural and societal meanings and ideological structures of these sign: The findings of the research indicate that the selfies shared by social media influencers can lead to significant alterations in the self-perception and body image of their follower: It was particularly noted that certain aesthetic norms and ideal body images are continuously emphasized. This study thoroughly examines how issues related to self-perception and body image, which are especially prevalent among young users, can be shaped by the influence of social media influencers, and the psychological dynamics underlying these processe: The findings offer valuable insights for better understanding the effects of social media usage on individuals' psychological well-being and for raising awareness on this issue.