narcissism and high self-esteem, low self-esteem also plays an integral role in constructing your digital identity on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.
In an interview with USA Today, Dr. S. Shyam Sundar said, “I think in general, people with low self-esteem tend to be more concerned about their image on any media and they more carefully craft it in order to project their best identity.” Sundar, who serves as the co-director of the Media Effects Research Laboratory at Penn State also said, “But I think [selfies are] not driven by insecurities, but about keeping their self-identities alive and distinct.”
Studies have also said that despite popular perceptions connecting selfie culture to high self-esteem and positive body image, Snapchat’s “beauty” filters actually create an environment where the only images that many users deem “worthy” of posting are put through a distorting lens.
Given that the Snapchat face filters are intuitive and don’t allow the user to control how much their face is altered, the sense of customization is greatly diminished. While Snapchat may have some responsibility for developing filters that accommodate different images of beauty and give the user more control, the power of the filter, and self-love lies with the user themselves.
Jasmine Browley holds an MA in journalism from Columbia College Chicago, and has contributed to Ebony, Jet and MADE Magazine among others. So, clearly, she knows some stuff. Follow her digital journey @JasmineBrowley.