The social benefits of self-disclosure and self-presentation through social media: a systematic review

Abstract

Grounded in the Uses and Gratifications theory, this review contributes to the rapidly-evolving field of social media research by examining the association between observable self-disclosure and/or self-presentation on social media and positive interpersonal outcomes, and integrating findings across disciplines. We focused on non-clinical adult populations and studies published after 2004, available in English; 57 articles (containing 73 studies) met our inclusion criteria. We also intended to distinguish between self-disclosure and self-presentation, and assess the role of their dimensional characteristics. Findings indicated that both behaviours were associated with fulfilling status and affiliation goals. Self-presentation was often described through self-enhancement behaviours and linked to reduced likability when perceived as inauthentic. Self-disclosure emerged as a broader construct and was more consistently associated with interpersonal benefits, along with post characteristics such as positive valence and photo usage. However, other post characteristics (e.g. intimacy) were associated with mixed outcomes, or remained unexplored (e.g. intentionality). An analysis of mediators and moderators showed the influence of interpersonal, individual, and social media factors in shaping relational outcomes. The review provides a novel synthesis of a fragmented field, highlighting conceptual ambiguities, outlining implications for both users and platform designers, and providing a foundation for future research.