University of Twente Student Theses
The Relationship of Reward Sensitivity and BeReal Authenticity in Varying Degrees of Social Anxiety
Krawinkel, J.S. (2024) The Relationship of Reward Sensitivity and BeReal Authenticity in Varying Degrees of Social Anxiety.
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| Abstract: | To examine the dynamics of authenticity of online self-presentation, this study investigated authentic engagement on the social media BeReal and its relationship to reward sensitivity and social anxiety. A negative relationship between reward sensitivity and BeReal authenticity as well as between social anxiety and BeReal authenticity was expected. Furthermore, social anxiety was expected to act as a moderator to the extent that high social anxiety positively influences the negative relationship between the variables. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design, 54 participants were studied that filled out the BeReal authenticity questionnaire, the Behavioural Activation Scales, which measured the reward sensitivity, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Correlation analysis of BeReal authenticity, reward sensitivity and social anxiety was conducted and PROCESS was employed for a regression analysis that explored social anxiety as the moderating factor. Results showed a significant positive relationship between BeReal authenticity and reward sensitivity, but no significant relationship between social anxiety and BeReal authenticity. Furthermore, a significant positive moderation effect was found at low levels of social anxiety. As the significant findings were not in the direction expected, all hypotheses were rejected. BeReal specifically strives for authenticity, therefore the results give rise to the suggestion that users view it as rewarding to engage authentically, leading to a satisfaction of their reward sensitivity. Individuals high on social anxiety are less likely to experience these rewarding effects, potentially due to a negatively biased judgement of their self-presentation that inhibits their authenticity. For those low on social anxiety, these influences are not present and they can feel rewarded in their authentic engagement on BeReal. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100018 |
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