Generation Z and authenticity on the social media platform Bereal

Abstract

In an age in which social media dominate the landscape of personal interaction and selfexpression, the concept of authenticity has become increasingly significant, especially among the younger generations. Born into a world of digital connectivity, Generation Z has a unique relationship with digital technologies, particularly social media platforms, which have profoundly influenced how they perceive and construct their identities. Therefore, the pursuit of authenticity, being true to oneself and presenting a "real" version of one’s life, has emerged as a key value for the members of this generation. BeReal, a social media platformed released in 2020, has been characterized for allowing its users to share that authentic self with the world in the simplest and most unfiltered way possible. However, the desire to be authentic while diving into a world of curated, filtered, posed, and edited images can still be a very difficult goal to achieve. Given that BeReal is a relatively new platform, there are very few studies that focus on its unique features and the impact it has had on its users. Therefore, this dissertation aims to fill in that gap of research by exploring how Generation Z produces and perceives online authenticity on the social media platform BeReal. The study was conducted using an exploratory approach based on the qualitative method, that included 14 interviews with Gen Z participants, and a content analysis of their shared BeReals. The findings suggest that while BeReal’s design encourages a more genuine portrayal of daily life, users still engage in selective self-presentation, subtly managing their online personas to align with social expectations and their personal identity goals. Although Generation Z values authenticity, their members are aware that most of content being produced and shared through social media can not exactly mirror real-life experiences. Consequently, this dissertation contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between digital technology, social media, and authenticity for Z Genners, offering insights into how this generation redefines authenticity in the digital age.

Date of Award	27 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Patrícia Dias (Supervisor)