1. Which social psychological concept explains why individuals often conform to behaviors seen on social media?
a) Social Identity Theory
b) Cognitive Dissonance Theory
c) Social Proof
d) The Bystander Effect
Answer: c) Social Proof
Explanation: Social Proof is a concept where individuals follow the behaviors of others in social situations, such as actions or trends seen on social media.
2. How has social media influenced the concept of ‘self-presentation’?
a) It has no impact.
b) It has led to the development of idealized self-images.
c) It only encourages honesty.
d) It has increased social anxiety.
Answer: b) It has led to the development of idealized self-images.
Explanation: Social media has made self-presentation more strategic, with users often posting idealized or curated versions of their lives to appear more appealing.
3. What does the term ‘online disinhibition effect’ refer to?
a) Increased online privacy
b) People behave more reserved online
c) People feel freer to express themselves online than in person
d) The inhibition of self-expression online
Answer: c) People feel freer to express themselves online than in person
Explanation: The online disinhibition effect refers to the tendency for people to express themselves more openly and freely in online environments compared to face-to-face interactions.
4. Which social media platform is most associated with ‘social comparison’ theory in modern psychology?
a) Facebook
b) Instagram
c) Twitter
d) TikTok
Answer: b) Instagram
Explanation: Instagram is known for encouraging social comparison through the constant sharing of visual content, often leading to comparisons regarding appearance and lifestyle.
5. Which concept describes the negative effects of social media on self-esteem, particularly in teens?
a) Peer Pressure
b) FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
c) Self-Objectification
d) Body Dysmorphia
Answer: b) FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
Explanation: FOMO refers to the anxiety individuals feel when they believe others are having rewarding experiences without them, which is exacerbated by social media.
6. How does social media contribute to the ‘echo chamber’ effect?
a) It encourages diverse viewpoints.
b) It amplifies one-sided views within isolated groups.
c) It reduces social influence.
d) It promotes rational thinking.
Answer: b) It amplifies one-sided views within isolated groups.
Explanation: Echo chambers on social media create an environment where users are exposed mainly to opinions that align with their own, reinforcing their existing beliefs.
7. What term is used to describe the tendency of people to believe everything they see on social media?
a) Illusory Superiority
b) Availability Heuristic
c) Information Overload
d) Media Literacy
Answer: b) Availability Heuristic
Explanation: The Availability Heuristic explains how people rely on the information that is most readily available, such as what they see on social media, to form judgments.
8. Which of the following is a key factor that contributes to cyberbullying on social media platforms?
a) Anonymity
b) Face-to-face interactions
c) Increased self-esteem
d) Empathy
Answer: a) Anonymity
Explanation: Anonymity on social media allows individuals to engage in negative behaviors like cyberbullying without facing direct consequences or judgment.
9. Which psychological theory explains the way people selectively follow social media influencers?
a) Social Cognitive Theory
b) Theory of Planned Behavior
c) Social Identity Theory
d) Attribution Theory
Answer: a) Social Cognitive Theory
Explanation: According to Social Cognitive Theory, individuals learn by observing others, and influencers on social media serve as role models that people mimic.
10. How does social media affect the development of groupthink in online communities?
a) It promotes independent thinking.
b) It leads to collective, uniform decision-making.
c) It discourages conformity.
d) It reduces peer pressure.
Answer: b) It leads to collective, uniform decision-making.
Explanation: Social media can promote groupthink by encouraging conformity and discouraging dissenting opinions within online communities.
11. Which of these factors helps explain the rise of radicalization in online spaces?
a) Social Influence
b) Social Support
c) Group Polarization
d) Self-Serving Bias
Answer: c) Group Polarization
Explanation: Group Polarization occurs when individuals within a group become more extreme in their views after discussing them with like-minded individuals, often leading to radicalization.
12. Which of the following best explains why people post photos of their food or vacations on social media?
a) Social Validation
b) Narcissism
c) Self-Concept
d) Social Comparison
Answer: a) Social Validation
Explanation: Posting personal experiences on social media is often a way for individuals to receive validation from others, reinforcing their self-worth.
13. What does the term ‘filter bubble’ refer to in the context of social media?
a) Exposure to conflicting opinions
b) Information that contradicts personal beliefs
c) Personalization of news feeds leading to limited viewpoints
d) A lack of media literacy
Answer: c) Personalization of news feeds leading to limited viewpoints
Explanation: Filter bubbles occur when social media algorithms limit the exposure of users to viewpoints different from their own, leading to a narrow view of the world.
14. Which psychological term best explains the tendency for people to present an idealized version of their lives on social media?
a) Self-Presentation Theory
b) Attribution Theory
c) Cognitive Dissonance
d) Fundamental Attribution Error
Answer: a) Self-Presentation Theory
Explanation: Self-Presentation Theory suggests that people consciously or unconsciously manage the image they project to others, which is evident in how they curate their social media profiles.
15. What effect does social media have on the concept of ‘social comparison’ in adolescents?
a) It reduces feelings of inadequacy.
b) It promotes feelings of self-worth and confidence.
c) It increases anxiety and depression.
d) It has no effect.
Answer: c) It increases anxiety and depression.
Explanation: Social comparison theory suggests that seeing others’ curated, idealized posts on social media can lead to negative self-evaluation, often increasing anxiety and depression in adolescents.
16. Which phenomenon explains why people may engage in harmful behaviors online because they feel invisible to others?
a) Social Facilitation
b) Deindividuation
c) The Halo Effect
d) Self-Serving Bias
Answer: b) Deindividuation
Explanation: Deindividuation is a psychological state where individuals lose self-awareness and feel less accountable for their actions in anonymous situations, like online platforms.
17. How does social media contribute to the spread of misinformation?
a) By presenting facts with proper context
b) By making it easy to share unchecked information
c) By promoting rational thinking
d) By reducing emotional engagement
Answer: b) By making it easy to share unchecked information
Explanation: Social media platforms often spread misinformation quickly because content is shared rapidly, sometimes without fact-checking or verification.
18. How do social media platforms influence ‘group identity’?
a) By encouraging independent thought
b) By fostering conformity within online communities
c) By discouraging group norms
d) By enhancing diversity of thought
Answer: b) By fostering conformity within online communities
Explanation: Social media encourages the development of online communities where group identity is strengthened through shared beliefs, values, and behaviors.
19. Which of the following best describes ‘cyberostracism’ in social media psychology?
a) Increased social interaction
b) Being ignored or excluded online
c) Excessive posting of content
d) Building stronger online communities
Answer: b) Being ignored or excluded online
Explanation: Cyberostracism occurs when an individual is deliberately ignored or excluded in online settings, leading to feelings of loneliness and distress.
20. What is the psychological effect of seeing others’ curated posts on social media?
a) Increased empathy and understanding
b) Decreased self-esteem and self-worth
c) Increased feelings of social connection
d) Increased trust in others
Answer: b) Decreased self-esteem and self-worth
Explanation: Seeing idealized portrayals of others’ lives can lead to social comparison, which often results in lower self-esteem and negative self-perception.
21. Which cognitive bias can be influenced by social media platforms, causing users to overestimate the quality of their own posts?
a) Self-serving bias
b) Confirmation bias
c) Illusion of control
d) Anchoring bias
Answer: a) Self-serving bias
Explanation: Self-serving bias is the tendency to attribute successes to internal factors and failures to external factors, which is often reflected in how users view their own social media posts.
22. How can social media lead to the ‘spiral of silence’?
a) By amplifying public opinions
b) By encouraging diverse voices
c) By discouraging dissenting opinions due to fear of rejection
d) By reducing the impact of social norms
Answer: c) By discouraging dissenting opinions due to fear of rejection
Explanation: The spiral of silence occurs when people with minority views on social media remain silent because they fear social isolation or rejection.
23. How does social media affect interpersonal relationships?
a) It always improves communication.
b) It can both enhance and strain relationships.
c) It leads to stronger face-to-face interactions.
d) It eliminates misunderstandings.
Answer: b) It can both enhance and strain relationships.
Explanation: Social media can help maintain relationships over long distances but can also cause misunderstandings, jealousy, and insecurity in relationships.
24. Which of the following is a significant consequence of social media overuse?
a) Increased face-to-face social interactions
b) Social isolation and loneliness
c) Enhanced communication skills
d) Improved mental health
Answer: b) Social isolation and loneliness
Explanation: Excessive use of social media can lead to social isolation as people spend more time online and less time engaging in in-person interactions.
25. Which theory suggests that people use social media to manage impressions and protect their self-image?
a) Cognitive Dissonance Theory
b) Self-Presentation Theory
c) Social Comparison Theory
d) Attribution Theory
Answer: b) Self-Presentation Theory
Explanation: Self-Presentation Theory posits that individuals use social media to manage how they are perceived by others, often curating their posts to create a desired image.
26. What is ‘cancel culture’ in the context of social media psychology?
a) Encouraging inclusive behaviors
b) Promoting open discussions
c) Publicly shaming and ostracizing individuals
d) Celebrating diverse opinions
Answer: c) Publicly shaming and ostracizing individuals
Explanation: Cancel culture refers to the phenomenon where individuals are publicly criticized and excluded from social circles or platforms, often in response to controversial actions or opinions.
27. Which aspect of social media contributes most to the development of online communities?
a) The algorithms that recommend content
b) The availability of social support
c) The privacy of communication
d) The anonymity of users
Answer: b) The availability of social support
Explanation: Social media platforms provide spaces for individuals to connect with others who share similar interests or challenges, fostering the creation of online communities.
28. Which psychological effect is most often linked to excessive social media use among teenagers?
a) Self-actualization
b) Increased anxiety and depression
c) Improved cognitive functioning
d) Increased altruism
Answer: b) Increased anxiety and depression
Explanation: Studies have shown that excessive use of social media among teens can contribute to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and overall lower mental well-being.
29. What term is used to describe the psychological impact of receiving instant feedback on social media posts?
a) Dopamine Effect
b) Self-Actualization
c) Social Exchange Theory
d) Reciprocity Norm
Answer: a) Dopamine Effect
Explanation: The Dopamine Effect refers to the release of dopamine (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter) when people receive likes or positive feedback on their social media posts.
30. How does social media alter traditional norms of communication in society?
a) By promoting face-to-face conversations
b) By allowing for more asynchronous communication
c) By reducing the importance of online presence
d) By encouraging people to avoid digital communication
Answer: b) By allowing for more asynchronous communication
Explanation: Social media platforms enable communication without real-time interaction, allowing users to reply at their convenience, which alters traditional communication dynamics.
