Social Media and Reality: Are social media profiles a true representation of people's lives?

This study explores the authenticity of self-presentation on social media by analyzing users' perceptions of their Facebook and Instagram profiles. A structured questionnaire was administered to 200 social media users aged 18-35 in Kashmir (IAK & PAK). Descriptive analysis revealed most participants actively used both platforms daily. While 59.2% felt their profiles reflected absolute truths, sizeable minorities admitted embellishments, driven by peer acceptance motivations. Instagram personas were viewed as more authentic versus Facebook's increased selective portrayals. Dissonance between online facades and offline realities correlated with dissatisfaction. Participants acknowledged intentional persona cultivation, applying beauty filters and deriving self-worth from peer validation indicators. However, some grappled with social media-induced anxieties and the impact of unrealistic social comparisons. Although profiles reflected some truth, considerable idealized portrayals were admitted, substantiating impressions management motivations. Notable platform variations also emerged. Mindful authenticity balancing can foster psychologically-healthy social media engagements amidst identity explorations in the digital age. This study provides meaningful insights into nuanced self-presentation techniques, motivations and authenticity discernments.