Understanding the Experience of Imaginary Audience in a Social Media Environment

Abstract

Adolescent use of social networking sites has grown quickly over the past decade. Despite this high level of use, less research has examined the interaction between adolescent development and use of social networking sites. Thus, the present study seeks to understand the relationship between adolescents’ Facebook use and their experience of a developmental construct, Imaginary Audience. Using survey data collected from 260 participants between the ages of 9 and 26, results suggested a positive relationship between Facebook use and Imaginary Audience ideation. Furthermore, to better understand this relationship, behavioral rehearsal was tested as a mediating variable. Results were supportive of this mediator. The present study was limited in two main ways: First, given the cross-sectional survey design, we were unable to make causal claims from our data. Second, the sample was predominantly homogenous in nature. Despite these limitations, however, the implications of these findings are twofold: First, this research indicates that Facebook use is related to characteristics of adolescent development. Future research should continue to examine this relationship pattern. Second, by connecting the study of media behaviors and developmental theory, we call attention to a timely and fruitful avenue for the interdisciplinary study of developmental phenomena and media.