The digital age has brought new ways of socializing, expressing oneself, and shaping identity. For university students, social media has become a space where self-image is constantly molded and validated. But could this quest for acceptance and novelty in digital platforms be affecting students’ behavior on a deeper level?
A recent study, published in the Humanities Journal and conducted by Adetumilara I. Adebo and Hanina H. Hamsan, from Universiti Putra Malaysia, investigated the relationship between self-image, social media use, and the need for novelty among university students. The research aimed to understand whether social media acts as a mediator between students’ body perception and their tendency to seek new experiences, behaviors, and aesthetic trends.
Relationship between self-image, social media, and the search for novelty
To analyze this dynamic, researchers surveyed 331 university students, aged 19 to 39, evaluating three key aspects:
- Perception of their own body image
- Frequency and patterns of social media use
- Level of need for novelty and new experiences
The data was analyzed using structural equation modeling, an advanced statistical method that helps identify relationships between complex variables.
Is social media reprogramming our desire for novelty?
The findings revealed an interesting insight: self-image alone does not directly impact the need for novelty. However, when social media comes into play, the story changes. The study found that social media use mediates the relationship between self-image and the search for novelty. In other words, students who are more concerned with their appearance tend to use social media more frequently, and this intensified usage leads them to seek new experiences and behaviors.
Another significant finding is that there were no notable gender differences in the need for novelty. This suggests that, regardless of gender, university students are equally influenced by social media in this regard.
The impact of social media on self-image and behavior
The researchers highlight that social media creates an environment where users seek validation through likes, comments, and shares. This can lead to a cycle of social comparison, where students feel pressured to conform to aesthetic and behavioral standards promoted online.
Moreover, this desire for acceptance may result in changes in self-expression and even physical modifications, such as new clothing styles, hairstyle changes, tattoos, and other forms of adapting to digital aesthetics. The issue arises when this need for validation becomes excessive, leading to dissatisfaction and affecting psychological well-being.
What can we learn from this study?
The findings suggest that social media use plays a crucial role in how university students perceive themselves and how willing they are to seek novelty to fit social standards. This raises important questions for parents, educators, and mental health professionals:
🔹 How can we help young people develop a healthier relationship with their self-image and social media?
🔹 How can educational institutions promote an environment that values authenticity and students’ self-esteem?
🔹 How can we balance the need for social belonging and acceptance with psychological well-being?
The study suggests that encouraging mindful social media use and promoting discussions about digital influence on self-image could be key steps in helping young people better manage these pressures.
💬 Have you noticed how social media influences your self-image or desire to seek novelty? Share your experience in the comments below!
Read full article on the Humanities Journal website
This reaserch was conducted by:
- Adetumilara I. Adebo, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
- Hanina H. Hamsan, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
