Download full text
(external source)
Citation Suggestion
Please use the following Persistent Identifier (PID) to cite this document:
https://doi.org/10.17645/mac.v11i4.7016
Exports for your reference manager
Adolescents' Augmented Reality Filter Usage on Social Media, Developmental Process, and Well-Being
[journal article]
Abstract Social media platforms are relevant for the media diet of adolescents. Augmented reality (AR) filters on social media are prevalent within the media consumption of this age group. Recent studies have unveiled the negative impact of beautifying AR filters and digitally enhanced pictures on adolescent... view more
Social media platforms are relevant for the media diet of adolescents. Augmented reality (AR) filters on social media are prevalent within the media consumption of this age group. Recent studies have unveiled the negative impact of beautifying AR filters and digitally enhanced pictures on adolescents' well-being. However, there is a need for an in-depth understanding of how adolescents use AR filters beyond aesthetic reasons. Therefore, the present study aims to contribute to the existing scholarship by focusing on various AR filters and their relation to adolescents' well-being. We investigate different ways of using AR filters (e.g., public posts versus ephemeral settings or direct messages to online friends) inspired by peers and social media influencers. Thus, we conducted four focus groups with N = 40 adolescent participants aged 14 to 18 from a European country. Our findings align with previous research on adults, showing that adolescents use AR filters for fun, entertainment, creativity, interaction, and self-expression. Besides, adolescents’ well-being determined using AR filters can be tied to crucial elements of the developmental process, such as connections, identity, learning, and emotions. Results showed that using AR filters on social media can facilitate socializing and increase self-esteem. Conversely, their use is time-consuming and can cause adolescents frustration and enhance social pressure. This study provides new insights into adolescents' AR-filter-related interactions. Furthermore, it contributes to the literature on AR filter usage, well-being, and the developmental process of adolescents.... view less
Keywords
adolescent; social media; well-being; virtual reality; media consumption; self-presentation; self-esteem; communication behavior
Classification
Interactive, electronic Media
Impact Research, Recipient Research
Free Keywords
AR filters; augmented reality; social media influencers
Document language
English
Publication Year
2023
Page/Pages
p. 129-139
Journal
Media and Communication, 11 (2023) 4
Issue topic
Digital Media and Younger Audiences: Communication Targeted at Children and Adolescents
ISSN
2183-2439
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed