How Social Media Is Changing Our Values
Under the title “Social Media is Shifting the Values in Our Societies: An Increase in People’s Achievement and Conformity Orientation,” Dr. Ertugrul Uysal, Prof. Dr. Sascha Alavi, and Prof. Dr. Valéry Bezençon have published a new article in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.
The study examines whether social media influences not only short-term attitudes and behaviors but also more fundamental aspects of personal identity. The focus is on people’s achievement and conformity orientations.
The results show that social media use may be associated with a stronger orientation toward socially recognized success and social expectations. The need for recognition plays a central role here: Repeated social comparisons and exposure to idealized portrayals of others can lead to an increased emphasis on achievement, social approval, and conformity to societal norms. This association is particularly pronounced among individuals who are more prone to self-focused rumination.
The study thus expands on previous research into the psychological and societal impacts of social media. It shows that digital platforms may not only influence our well-being and behavior but can also shape deeper-seated values.
Curious to learn more? You can read the full article here: