HC7. Risky Selfie Taking

Question 1

Definition risky selfie taking

Answer 1

Picture that is displaying the social media user in a dangerous situation, because the social media user is focused on taking the picture instead of the potential risks surrounding him/her.

Question 2

Why do individuals take risky selfies? (2)

Answer 2

(1) Identity (create original/unique identity)

2) Popularity (need confirmation of others

Question 3

Prototype/willingness model REASONED PATH (3 variables)

Answer 3

(1) risk attitudes
(2) descriptive norms (perception of what relevant others do, e.g., whether your peers take risky selfies)
(3) subjective norms (whether others approve of the behavior)
- -> These three variables influence the willingness to take risky selfies

Question 4

Prototype/willingness model SOCIAL REACTION PATH (2)

Answer 4

(1) Social media influence prototype perceptions (= your idea of a typical person that takes risky selfies, e.g., cool person)
(2) If you have a more favorable idea of a person that takes risky selfies > higher willingness > leads to risky selfie taking

Question 5

Differential susceptibility to media effects model

Answer 5

Social media effects differ per person, personal characteristics

Question 6

Moderating variables paper 1 (4)

Answer 6

(1) gender (men more attracted to risk behavior)
(2) age (puberty sensitivity for rewarding experiences, mid-adolescence risk-peak, after that more self-regulation)
(3) narcissism (increased selfie-taking, showing off)
(4) sensation seeking (drawn to dangerous experiences)

Question 7

Results paper 1 (6)

Answer 7

(1) Significant relationship between social media use and descriptive norms: if you are exposed more often to social media, you also believe that others take risky selfies
(2) Positive significant relationship between social media use and prototype perceptions: exposed to social media more often, more favorable attitude towards people that take risky selfies
(3) Positive relationship between risk attitudes and willingness to take risky selfies: more favorable attitude towards risky selfies, more willing to take one
(4) More favorable idea of people that take risky selfies (prototype perception), more willing to take risky selfies
(5) Willingness to take risky selfies, more likely to actually take a risky selfie
(6) Direct relationship between social media use and risky selfie behavior: more exposed to social media use, more likely to take risky selfie

Question 8

Results moderation analyses (4)

Answer 8

Gender, age, narcissism and sensation seeking no moderating effect on risky selfie taking.

Question 9

Support paths? (2)

Answer 9

Reasoned path (party supported)
Social reaction path (fully supported)

Question 10

Limitations (5)

Answer 10

(1) Cross-sectional data: no Causality
(2) Western European context
(3) Reliability and validity of newly developed measures
(4) Intention to perform risk behavior (part of reasoned pathway of PWM) not measured/included
(5) Social media use as antecedent of social reaction path & reasoned path -> exposure to risky selfies more specific and better antecedent?