How has the increase in usage of social media changed our understanding of social
identity and group dynamics.
Henri Tajfel’s theory on social identity (1978) posits that individuals derive a portion of their
self-concept from their membership in social groups, while the other portion comes from societal
expectations. With the advent of social media and its widespread adoption in daily life, a curated
Instagram feed has become a plausible alternative to traditional social groups, such as a weekly book
club. Consequently, social groups are now conveniently just a click away. However, it is crucial to
consider how these social groups affect one’s self-image and cognitive beliefs, which significantly
shape one's life course.
Social media amplifies one’s self-concept, leading to changes in social identity. For instance, posting a
video of yourself playing the flute might garner positive comments from your audience, which can
enhance your sense of validation (Kramer et al., 2014). As a result, playing the flute could become an
integral part of your social identity, similar to how an identification card signifies your membership in
a group. However, as Uğur Gündüz argues, social media can be a source of both conflict and
conciliation. It is essential to acknowledge that social media has increasingly had adverse effects,
particularly in fostering insecurity among teenagers and adolescents. According to Harter et al.
teenagers may exhibit 'false self behaviour,' described as 'being phoney' and 'saying what others want
to hear.' This behaviour masks true social identity and form, suggesting that social media can both
enhance and undermine social identity based on the social groups one engages with.
Examining how we alter our social identity on social media is equally important. Abidin (2016)
explains that selfies posted on Instagram and Facebook often acquire value through the ‘halo effect’
(Nisbett & Wilson, 1977). This effect creates a misleading sense of superior social identity for
influencers, which can lead viewers to develop a depreciated self-identity as they compare themselves
to the seemingly perfect lives portrayed online. The disparity between the idealised images presented
by influencers and real-life experiences can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy among consumers.
Online group dynamics also play a significant role in reshaping social identities. Unlike face-to-face
interactions, online group chats often lack non-verbal cues, making it easier for individuals to feign
interest or align their behaviour with perceived group norms without facing direct confrontation.
Cindy Laurent Augustine’s study highlights how such online interactions can lead to changes in one’s
identity [5]. People may begin to adopt beliefs and behaviours they see their online counterparts
following, which may lack the credibility and reliability of face-to-face interactions.
It is crucial to recognize that an individual’s social identity on social media may differ significantly
from their real-life or inherent identity. For example, a person who receives substantial appreciation
on Instagram but little acknowledgment in real life may experience a conflict between these two
identities, affecting their self-concept. Individuals often display different aspects of their personality
online compared to face-to-face interactions, influenced by the dynamics of their online social circles.
In conclusion, social media usage delineates a fine line in shaping social identities. Research indicates
that both social identity and group dynamics can vary considerably when influenced by social media
and its associated pressures. Understanding these variations provides insight into the complex
interplay between digital and real-world identities.
References:
1. Tajfel, H. (1978). Differentiation between Social Groups: Studies in the Social
Psychology of Intergroup [Link] Press.
2. Kramer, A. D. I., Guillory, J. E., & Hancock, J. (2014). Experimental evidence of
massive-scale emotional contagion through social networks. Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences, 111(24), 8788-8790.
3. Gündüz, U. (n.d.). Social media as a source of both conflict and conciliation. Journal
of Social Media Studies.
4. Harter, S., Bresnick, L., Bouchey, H. A., & Whitesell, N. R. (2006). The role of
self-esteem in the development of adolescent depression. Journal of Adolescence,
29(3), 433-453.
5. Augustine, C. L. (2017). Online interactions and identity changes: A study of digital
group dynamics. Social Media Research Quarterly, 5(2), 112-128.