Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Empathy, Perceived Similarity, And Online Aggression, Olivette Petersen

Honors Theses

As social media usage continues to rise, the prevalence of non-traditionally famous online entertainers and other popular online personas (e.g., YouTubers and social media influencers) is increasing. Online practices such as video blogging and social media upkeep make it easier for viewers and fans to feel closer to the online personas they follow, regardless of whether any in-person social interaction ever takes place. Due to the increased amount of time adolescents and young adults spend on social media, it is clear that these online personas are becoming an important part of adolescents’ and young adults’ socialization. Furthermore, when online entertainers …