Image management on Facebook : impression management, self esteem and the Cultivation Theory

Within the cultural context of social media networks, this study explores the image management behaviors of untagging and selective posting of photos on Facebook. Through a survey, respondents answered questions regarding whether they engage in these behaviors and why they do so. This study sought to find a relationship between high self-monitors and the behaviors of selective photo posting and those with low self-esteem and the behaviors of selective photo posting. It is predicted that those who are high self- monitors and those with low self-esteem are more likely to engage in selective photo posting. This study also applies the Cultivation Theory to practices of image management while providing insight into the implications image management may have on our society.