Self-presentation and gender on MySpace
abstract
Within the cultural context of MySpace, this study explores the ways emerging adults
experience social networking. Through focus group methodology, the role of virtual peer
interaction in the development of personal, social, and gender identities was investigated.
Findings suggest that college students utilize MySpace for identity exploration, engaging in
social comparison and expressing idealized aspects of the selves they wish to become. The
public nature of self and relationship displays introduce feedback mechanisms by which
emerging adults can legitimize images as associated with the self. Also, male–female
differences in self-presentation parallel, and possibly intensify, gender norms offline. Our
study suggests that social networking sites provide valuable opportunities for emerging adults
to realize possible selves; however, increased pressure for female sexual objectification and
intensified social comparison may also negatively impact identity development. A balanced
view, presenting both opportunities and drawbacks, should