Need to Evaluate, Self-Esteem and Presentation of Online Self Among Youth

Abstract

The study examined whether the Need to Evaluate (NE) determines Self-esteem and online self-presentation among youth and whether these outcomes differ by gender and age group. The Need to Evaluate, an individual difference characterised by a chronic tendency to engage highly in evaluative responding. Using a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 100 youth (45 male, 55 females; 76 adolescents aged 12-19, 24 young adults aged 20-24) residing in the Delhi region, participants completed the Need to Evaluate Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Presentation of Online Self Scale (POSS), which assess Ideal self, Multiple self, Consistent self and Online Presentation Preference.  Contrary to the proposed hypotheses, NE did not significantly predict self-esteem or any of the four online self-presentation subscales. However, self-esteem significantly and negatively predicted Online Presentation Preference, and the regression model for this outcome was statistically significant. Gender also significantly predicted Online Presentation Preference, with female participants reporting higher scores than male participants, but no significant association was found with the three other subscales. Although age group was not a significant predictor of any of the subscales, a marginal trend was observed for Ideal Self. These findings indicate that self-esteem and gender are more consistent correlates of online presentation preference than the high NE. These findings inform self-esteem-based interventions and gender-sensitive digital literacy programs, and highlight participants’ unmeasured social feedback, whether their evaluative opinions are affirmed or challenged by others, as a key direction for future research on NE’s role in digital self-presentation.