Social Cognitive Theory, as outlined by Bandura (2011), deeply resonates with me when I reflect on how social media has influenced my life. The idea of reciprocal determinism—where our thoughts, behaviours, and environment interact and shape one another—perfectly captures the role social media plays in shaping my perspectives and habits.
For me, LinkedIn has been both empowering and challenging. On one hand, it has connected me with incredible people around the world who share similar passions and goals. These connections inspire me and open new opportunities for growth. But on the other hand, I’ve experienced anxiety and self-doubt when I see others achieving milestones like certifications, new roles, or workshop completions. It’s easy to feel like I’m falling behind. Over time, I’ve learned to honour my own pace and see these moments as inspiration rather than competition. Orey’s (2002) discussion on the role of memory and information processing aligns with this realization—what we repeatedly expose ourselves to on social media becomes ingrained in how we perceive ourselves. With more mindfulness, I now approach these experiences with self-compassion, though it’s still a work in progress.
Image Source: Instagram feed
Social media also profoundly influences how behaviours are modelled. Bandura’s (2001) concept of observational learning resonates here, as we constantly witness influencers showcasing curated lives. Personally, I’ve noticed how this affects my expectations for success or perfection. I’ve also seen the negative impacts, such as how idealized content can erode confidence or self-efficacy when comparisons creep in. Orey’s emphasis on cognitive processing further explains how this influx of information can overwhelm and create biases in how we evaluate our own worth.
Reflecting on all of this, SCT has given me a framework to better understand my relationship with social media. It has made me more conscious of how I process and respond to the flood of information I encounter daily. This perspective has encouraged me to prioritize authenticity in my online interactions and embrace a healthier, more balanced relationship with social media.
References:
Bandura, A. (2011). Chapter 17: Social cognitive theory. In P. A. M. van Lange, A. W. Kruglanski, & E. T. Higgins (Eds.), Handbook of Social Psychological Theories (pp. 349-373). London: Sage.
Bandura, A. (2001). Social Cognitive Theory of Mass Communication. Media Psychology, 3(3), 265-299.
Orey, M. (2002). Information Processing. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology (pp. 25-34). A Global Text.
