The Relationship between Social Media and the Aspirations of Young Adults

Abstract

The study sought to identify social media use and its effects on young adults. Data was collected and analyzed to see the potential overwhelming effects that social media had on young adults and how the use of social media affected the unrealistic aspirational lifestyle an individual aspired for. Snowball sampling was used to gather participants. Questions such as; How much of these influences are accurate for the constructive development of young adults who endure self-esteem/perception insecurities? How much of a role does social media have on people? Lastly, how does social media influence the material possessions one may aspire for? Drawing on data from a survey, this paper helps fill the gap in research. Data gathered from this analysis was expected to support the original hypothesis that social media had a negative affect on young adults with their self-identity. What was discovered with the data, was that social media did not influence individuals self-identity and what they aspired for. It is understood that the age of the participants played a significant factor in the results. The information gathered from this study adds to the literature of social media and its influences on the aspirational lifestyle young adults may aspire for.