Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:29
Skeletal Muscle Gender Dimorphism from Proteomics
Published on: December 14, 2011
Gender differences in "social portraits" reflected in MySpace profiles
Melissa Joy Magnuson1, Lauren Dundes
1Department of Sociology, McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland 21157-4390, USA.
Summary
Online social networking profiles reveal traditional gender roles. Females on MySpace mentioned significant others more often than males, suggesting a greater reliance on relationships for self-identity formation.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Internet Studies
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Online social networking websites provide new avenues for self-presentation and identity construction.
- Previous research suggests traditional gender roles influence self-perception and social interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gendered patterns of self-presentation on MySpace.
- To examine if online identity formation aligns with traditional gender roles regarding relational orientation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 51 female and 49 male MySpace profiles.
- Quantitative assessment of mentions of significant others in profile sections ('About Me', 'Interests').
Main Results:
- Males mentioned significant others less frequently than females in both 'About Me' (p = 0.003) and 'Interests' (p = 0.05) sections.
- A higher percentage of females referenced their significant others multiple times compared to males.
Conclusions:
- Online data from social networking sites reflect traditional gender roles.
- Females' online self-presentation indicates a greater emphasis on relational validation for identity compared to males.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
02:12Relationship Formation
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
01:29Social Identity
Social identity constitutes a significant aspect of an individual’s self-concept, shaped by membership in various social groups, including gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and political affiliation. Individuals associate specific traits with particular social groups, leading to internalization of these traits. For example, musicians are often perceived as creative, while women are frequently associated with nurturing tendencies. Once individuals identify with a particular...
01:30Social Foundations of Self IV: Self in Digital Communication
Since the early 2000s, computer-mediated communication (CMC) has grown rapidly, playing a crucial role in self-development. A key distinction between CMC and real-life interactions is the lack of a physically present partner. This absence makes non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, body language, and paralinguistic signals unavailable in CMC platforms like email, instant messaging, or social media. The lack of these cues can create ambiguity and complicate how feedback is interpreted.The...
01:26Desirable Characteristics in Others
Various factors, including the type of relationship, gender, and duration of the relationship, influence the perception of desirable characteristics in others. While certain traits such as trustworthiness, cooperativeness, agreeableness, and extraversion are universally valued across all relationships, other characteristics are context-dependent and gain prominence based on specific relational dynamics.Universal and Context-Dependent TraitsTrustworthiness and cooperativeness are fundamental...
01:29Factors Influencing Attraction V: Social Skills
Social skills play a crucial role in shaping interpersonal interactions and enhancing individuals' ability to navigate various social environments successfully. These skills contribute to personal and professional success, influencing how others perceive and treat individuals. High social skills provide distinct advantages in numerous settings, including romantic relationships, politics, and legal proceedings. In courtroom settings, for instance, defendants who exhibit strong social skills are...