Social Media Psychology – Key Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts from the lecture notes on social media, well-being, psychology, and related theories.

Lasswell's Model (1948)

A foundational communication framework that asks five questions: Who is the communicator, In which channel (the medium), Say's What (content), To Whom (recipient), and With What Effect (outcome).

Carr & Hayes definition of social media (2015)

Internet-based channels that allow users to opportunistically interact and selectively self-present, in real-time or asynchronously, with broad and narrow audiences who derive value from user-generated content and the perception of interaction.

Social Network Insights (SNS) definition

Internet-based channels that enable users to interact and self-present with broad or narrow audiences, deriving value from user-generated content and perceived interaction.

Disenstrained channels

Social media channels described as persistently available and not constrained by time, enabling ongoing interaction.

Persistent channels

Communication channels that remain available over time, allowing ongoing access to content and interactions.

Perceived interactivity

Users’ sense that they can influence, respond to, and engage with content and others on a platform.

User-generated value

Value created by the public through comments, shares, likes, and interactions rather than by the platform alone.

Masspersonal communication

A hybrid communication mode combining mass communication reach with personal, interpersonal interaction.

Dunbar's number

A theoretical cognitive limit to the number of stable social relationships a person can maintain, typically around 150.

Two-Step Flow of Communication

Mass media influence first reaches opinion leaders, who then communicate to the general public.

Agenda Setting theory

The media doesn't tell people what to think, but it tells them what to think about by shaping issue salience.

Framing theory

The way information is presented (frames) shapes how audiences interpret and understand an issue.

DSMM (Differential Susceptibility to Media Effects Model)

A model asserting that media effects depend on person-specific factors (traits, states), content factors, and developmental/temporal factors.

Active use (Appel et al., 2020)

Engaging with content through actions like posting, commenting, sharing—associated with positive outcomes in some studies.

Passive use (Appel et al., 2020)

Consuming content without interaction—often linked to negative comparisons and lower well-being.

Uses and Gratifications Theory (UGT)

A theory positing that people actively seek media to satisfy specific needs and goals; assumes users are active and goal-directed.

UGT gratifications: Information

Using media to acquire knowledge and learn.

UGT gratifications: Entertainment

Using media for amusement, fun, and enjoyment.

UGT gratifications: Social interaction

Using media to connect, socialize, and maintain relationships.

UGT gratifications: Escapism

Using media to escape from real-life stress or boredom.

Authentic self-presentation

Presenting an accurate or genuine version of oneself on social media.

Can self

Believed potential you think you can become in the future.

Ideal self

The version of yourself you aspire to be; tied to motivation and goals.

Ought self

The version you think you should be, based on duties, norms, or expectations.

Actual self

Who you currently are with your real traits and behaviors.

Self-discrepancy

The gap between actual self and ideal/ought/can selves, linked to emotions and motivation.

Upward social comparison

Comparing oneself to someone perceived as better off; can trigger envy or inspiration.

Envy vs. inspiration (upward comparison outcomes)

Envy may lower well-being; inspiration can motivate improvement and growth.

Narcissism (definition)

A personality pattern characterized by grandiosity, entitlement, need for admiration, and exploitive tendencies.

Selective self-presentation

Curating an idealized version of oneself for public viewing on social platforms.

Feedback loops & validation (narcissism)

Quantifiable metrics (likes, comments, followers) reinforcing narcissistic posting through dopamine-like rewards.

Narcissism and SNS findings

Narcissists post more and focus on self-promotion; stronger links on visual platforms (Instagram, TikTok) with cross-cultural differences.

BoPo (Body Positivity)

Movement/content promoting body acceptance and diversity, challenging narrow beauty standards.

BoPo moderating factors

Exposure duration, platform algorithms, content authenticity, individual body-image concerns, gender, culture, and commercialization effects.

Fitspiration

Content promoting fitness/health that often leads to upward comparison and body dissatisfaction.

Non-idealized models

Content featuring diverse, non-ideal bodies; research shows mixed effects on body image and well-being.

Self-objectification

Viewing oneself as an object for others’ evaluation, often promoted by appearance-focused content.

Digital divide (three levels)

Level 1: access; Level 2: digital skills and usage; Level 3: outcomes and benefits, influenced by sociodemographics, economics, and culture.

Digital well-being

Subjective experience of optimal balance between benefits and drawbacks of digital connectivity.

Digital flourishing

Positive development in five dimensions: connectedness, positive social comparison, authentic self-presentation, civil participation, and self-control.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT) basics

Autonomy, competence, and relatedness as basic psychological needs driving well-being and motivation.

Two Continua Model of Mental Health

Mental health comprises two coexisting continuums: well-being (hedonic/eudaimonic) and ill-being/psychopathology.

Positivity bias in social media

Exposure to overly positive content can lead to envy or inspiration; effects vary by within- vs. between-person differences and platform/context.

Positivity bias moderators

Individual self-esteem, platform, content type, and study design influence responses to positivity bias.

Ghosting

Abruptly cutting off communication in online dating or social interactions, leaving the other person without explanation.

Dating app motivations (six)

Love (romantic relationship), Casual sex, Ease of communication, Self-worth validation, Thrill of excitement, Trendiness.

Reduced-cue environment (mobile dating)

Dating apps provide fewer nonverbal cues, shaping decision-making and matching processes.

Descriptive vs. Injunctive norms

Descriptive: what others do; Injunctive: what others think one should do; both influence behavior.

Channel-centered vs. communication-centered approaches

Channel-centered focuses on the platform and its affordances; communication-centered focuses on messages and social processes.

Influencers as digital opinion leaders

Individuals who build large followings through self-presentation and content creation, often categorized as micro (

Parasocial interaction (PSI) vs. Parasocial relationship (PSR)

PSI: imagined intimate interaction with a media persona; PSR: enduring, one-sided relationship with a media figure.

Algorithmic influence on exposure

Platform algorithms curate content, affecting what users see, which can shape self-presentation and audience engagement.

Ephemeral vs. permanent content

Ephemeral content disappears (e.g., Stories); permanent content remains accessible (e.g., feed posts), influencing usage and strategy.