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Feeling phony online - The impostor phenomenon's link to online self-presentation, self-esteem, and social network
Fabio Ibrahim1, Philipp Yorck Herzberg1, Lynne Marie Stöven1
1Department of Personality Psychology and Psychological Assessment, Helmut-Schmidt-University, Germany.
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between the impostor phenomenon, self-esteem, online self-presentation, and social network site usage across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Tinder. The sample consisted of n = 541 individuals (46 % men; Mage = 27, SDage = 8.5). In addition to demographics, quantitative social network site use metrics, and self-esteem, the impostor expression emerged as an incremental predictor for the online self-presentation facets adaptable self (β = 0.26, p < .001), authentic self (β = -0.29, p < .001) and freedom of self online (β = 0.25, p < .001). Self-esteem partially mediated the impostor expression's effect on the authentic self. Findings suggest that a high impostor expression links to lower online authenticity, higher online self-adaption, and a preference for online communication and self-presentation.
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