The study examines the nature of the use of social networks sites (SNS)
from a developmental perspective, and self-presentation activities, investigating
the development and shaping of identity, during young adulthood. The study
model examined personal aspects of identity, mental and behavioral aspects and
gender that shape the self-esteem of young adults today, among 800 young men
and women aged 20-25, who completed online self-report questionnaires. The current study
provides a comprehensive theoretical model that explains the set of connections
between identity status, self-presentation, and self-disclosure on SNS, and
self-esteem among young adults. The mediation model emphasizes that for
different identity states, young people tend to certain modes of
self-presentation which explain their degree of self-esteem. This model’s
contribution lies in understanding the significant role of SNS in development
and identity formation during young adulthood. Alongside the theoretical
contribution, the present study has practical implications.
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