Health Matters: Facebook Behavior that Reveals Self-Worth and Boosts Self-Esteem

There are some interesting studies that suggest Facebook reveals more about your character than you might think.

First in health, women more than men will post photos of themselves more frequently on their Facebook profiles.

According to a study, this means they value appearance and need attention.

Researchers led by University of Buffalo Associate Professor Michael A. Stefanone, surveyed over 300 men and women about their self worth and Facebook behaviors.

The study finds females use Facebook to compete for attention because they are so vested in their appearance. Some experts say it may be due to the current celebrity culture.

Another study says Facebook may enhance your self-esteem.

A newer study finds if you’re feeling down you may want to log into that Facebook account to view and edit your profile for a boost.

Cornell University Researchers sat over 60 participants by a computer. One group had a mirror by them, which symbolizes looking at reality, and felt no self-esteem boost. The other group who viewed their Facebook had higher ratings of self-esteem.

Experts say it is due to the Hyperpersonal Model. The world wide web allows us to select how we present ourselves to others. Basically over time by editing we can develop this online positive image of ourselves into our own self-conceptions.

Researchers say it is only temporary and further research is needed.

Both of these findings are published in the journal “Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking”.

Reporting on Health Matters, I’m Jessica Solis.