Freud, Jung, and the Dark Side of Social Media: What Psychology Reveals About Online Behaviour
Edi Hezri Hairi
Media Production ?? | Founder ?? | Emerging Tech ? | Educator ???? | Ex-HP | Ex-MDEC | Ex-MPB | Ex-INTI #ENTJ
Recently, while working on my research essay, I had a fascinating conversation with a social media analyst from a major media organisation about the challenges of managing online comments. They described the difficulties of navigating irrational and emotionally charged feedback, often rooted in deeper personal frustrations. This sparked a thought—how can the theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung shed light on the darker aspects of social media? Interestingly, their century-old insights remain profoundly relevant today, offering explanations for online phenomena such as cyberbullying, cancel culture, and public shaming.
Related Articles:
Freud and the Unconscious Forces Behind Online Behavior
Freud’s theory of the unconscious mind gives us a clear way to look at what drives toxic online behavior. For instance, Freud’s concept of projection explains why people often lash out at others on social media. Someone might leave a nasty comment not because of the person or issue being discussed, but because they’re projecting their own insecurities or frustrations onto others. For example, a person feeling powerless in their own life might criticize someone’s success or choices online to regain a false sense of control.
Freud’s id, the part of our mind that craves instant gratification, is also a key player in the world of social media. Platforms are designed to feed this impulsive side of us, encouraging immediate reactions—likes, shares, and angry comments. At the same time, the superego, representing societal norms, often plays a role in group shaming or cancel culture, where people band together to enforce their idea of morality.
The result? A perfect storm of impulsive reactions, moral policing, and a “mob mentality” that can dominate online spaces, often leaving little room for nuanced discussions or empathy.
Jung’s Shadow and the Masks We Wear Online
Carl Jung’s concepts of the Shadow and the Persona give another perspective on social media dynamics. The Shadow represents the parts of ourselves we hide—our anger, envy, or insecurities. Social media becomes a convenient outlet for projecting these repressed traits onto others. For example, someone who criticizes others’ perceived flaws may actually be battling those same insecurities themselves.
Jung’s Persona, or the mask we present to the world, is equally relevant. On social media, we carefully curate our profiles to show our best selves—whether it’s an Instagram feed filled with perfectly filtered photos or a LinkedIn page showcasing only professional wins. While there’s nothing wrong with putting your best foot forward, over-identifying with this Persona can lead to feelings of disconnection and anxiety. The pressure to maintain an idealised image often makes people lash out at others who seem more “real” or authentic, reinforcing the unhealthy dynamics of online interactions.
领英推荐
The Role of Culture in Online Behavior
In Malaysia, cultural norms and collective values also play a big role in shaping online behavior. As a society that values community and harmony, there’s often a strong pressure to conform to societal expectations. But on social media, this pressure can manifest in public shaming or cancel culture, where individuals are called out for stepping out of line with these norms. At the same time, the anonymity of the internet provides a space for people to rebel against these expectations, often through trolling or hostile comments.
Take online discussions around sensitive topics like politics or religion. These debates often reflect deeper societal anxieties or frustrations, with social media acting as a release valve for emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken. Freud and Jung’s ideas remind us that these reactions are not just about the issues at hand—they’re also tied to unconscious conflicts within ourselves and the cultural context we live in.
Moving Toward Healthier Online Space
Understanding the psychological forces at play is the first step in creating healthier online spaces. Freud’s and Jung’s theories highlight how much of our online hostility stems from unresolved personal and societal issues. Addressing these challenges requires a mix of empathy, self-awareness, and digital literacy.
For individuals, this means taking a moment to reflect before reacting online. Ask yourself:
For social media platforms, it means prioritizing accountability and promoting more constructive conversations, rather than simply chasing engagement through sensational content.
Social media has incredible potential to connect people and foster meaningful dialogue, but only if we approach it with mindfulness and self-awareness. By integrating Freud’s and Jung’s timeless insights, we can turn these digital spaces into tools for understanding and connection, rather than division and hostility. After all, the better we understand ourselves, the better equipped we are to navigate the complexities of the online world—and maybe even make it a little kinder.