Understanding how self-image and compassionate goals affect well-being in a social media context

Overview

There is increasing concern about the negative impact of social media use on well-being. To understand its impact, we need to move beyond simple conceptualisations of social media use and utilise strong research methods to understand the role that psychological processes play in producing positive and negative impacts. There is preliminary evidence that interpersonal goals play an important role in predicting how people use and experience social media. Self-image goals involve trying to convey a desirable image of oneself to others and are associated with negative outcomes (e.g., envy). Compassionate goals involve trying to support other people’s well-being and are associated with positive outcomes (e.g., social capital). However, more evidence is needed to determine whether these goals are modifiable in a social media context and whether they have a causal impact on well-being.

Research activities

Working with a team of researchers, you will:

• design
• conduct
• analyse, and,
• report quantitative studies to advance knowledge about the impacts of social media use on well-being.

Outcomes

This research will advance our understanding of the role that modifiable psychological processes play in determining the impact of social media use on well-being. Such findings could benefit society by informing people how to optimally use social media to promote well-being.

Skills and experience

You should have:

• an honours degree in psychology
• quantitative research skills.

Scholarships

You may be eligible to apply for a research scholarship.

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Keywords

• social media
• well-being
• interpersonal goals
• envy
• social capital

Contact

Contact the supervisor for more information.