Facebook users care more about looks than brains -UK study - GMA News

Most British social media users may care more about looking good than appearing intelligent on social networks like Facebook, while the opposite seems true in the Middle East and the rest of Europe.

 

This was one of the findings of a new survey by Intel where 56 percent of Britons care about looking good on their social media profile pages, UK's The Telegraph reported.

 

But in the Middle East and the rest of Europe, The Telegraph report said 61 percent said they wanted to seem intellectual when sharing content and their views on social networking sites.

 

On the other hand, the study also found Britons hate “over-sharing” on social media, with 91 percent agreeing that there are some topics which have no place on social networks.

 

"Finding a balance between narcissistic impulse, a need to be 'in the loop' and being careful about self-disclosure are all aspects of contemporary identity," The Telegraph quoted Amber Burton, a lecturer in digital media and advertising at Bournemouth University, as saying.

 

“Who were are, what we say about ourselves, how others perceive us - these are all magnified, and often distorted - through the lens of social media. Getting that balance right is important but difficult, and much depends on context and the unwritten 'rules' of performing a virtual identity in the digital arena," Burton added.

 

The Telegraph said the study also found more than half of Britons want to be more like their “well crafted social media personas” in real life.

 

"People often tell social lies to impress others and appear more confident – but according to the study – more than half of the people being lied to online know it is the case," it said.

 

Genevieve Bell, director of the Intel research entitled "Interaction and Experience," noted new technologies "tend to magnify the contradictions in our behavior."

 

"We want both to create a good impression with our peers and also complain about over-sharing. It takes time to find a balance,” Bell said. — TJD, GMA News

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