A Study Of User Presence Cues And Impression Management In Ephemeral Media

Abstract

This study explores how individuals construct and project their identities through the transient features of Instagram and Snapchat Stories. Stories, which disappear after 24 hours, foster immediacy and spontaneity in content sharing by encouraging users to post outside of their carefully curated permanent feeds. The ephemeral nature of Stories not only facilitates authentic self-expression but also serves as a tool for impression management, enabling users to signal presence and relatability through candid images, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and real-life moments. Drawing on a comprehensive review of relevant literature and qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, this research examines the motivations behind user engagement with Stories and how these platforms function as key arenas for identity performance. Furthermore, it investigates the impact of ephemeral content on self-esteem, self-concept, and interpersonal relationships, shedding light on the complex dynamics between identity construction and impression management in the digital age.