Am I in a healthy relationship? Exploring emotional consequences of young women’s relationships with social media influencers

Author

Betsy Byrne DeSimone, University of TennesseeFollow

Orcid ID

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9158-159X

Date of Award

5-2020

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Communication and Information

Major Professor

Mariea G. Hoy

Committee Members

Courtney Childers, Sally J. McMillian, Garriy Shteynberg

Abstract

In order to enjoy the benefits of technology, we must understand the potential harmful effects. This study uses a qualitative approach to investigate the implications of young women following and developing a relationship with social media influencers. Young women were chosen because they are the most vulnerable group when it comes to using social media. Results came from a total of 12 interviews suggesting that women develop strong relationships with social media influencers. The implications for the women are often harmful, but as they grow older they learn coping techniques.

Recommended Citation

DeSimone, Betsy Byrne, "Am I in a healthy relationship? Exploring emotional consequences of young women’s relationships with social media influencers. " PhD diss., University of Tennessee, 2020.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/5873