Self-Esteem and Real Self and False Self Presentation on Facebook Among Emerging Adults: The Moderating Role of Social Anxiety

This study examined the individual and interactive associations between self-esteem, social anxiety, and real and false self-presentation on Facebook. Data came from a college sample of 216 emerging adult Facebook users (M age ≈ 23, 171 women). Findings indicate that social anxiety moderated the association between self-esteem and false self-presentation, such that emerging adults low in self-esteem and high in social anxiety may present themselves in a more deceptive, inauthentic, and socially desirable manner on Facebook. Results also suggest that emerging adults with higher self-esteem may present their real self (authentic) more on Facebook, whereas emerging adults with lower self-esteem may present their false self (deceptive and socially desirable) to a greater extent. Findings also indicate that socially anxious emerging adults may present their false self more on Facebook, motivated by social desirability and self-exploration. Implications for interpersonal experiences (e.g., social acceptance and social rejection/exclusion) during emerging adulthood are discussed.