Articles

Main Character Syndrome: Manifestations and Impact on Social

Authors

  • Amalia Tasya Universitas Ahmad Dahlan
Published September 29, 2025 pp. 38-42 doi.org/10.62872/pj.v2i3.402 CC BY-SA 4.0

Abstract

Main Character Syndrome (MCS) is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals tend to see themselves as the main characters in life, often in an exaggerated and dramatic manner. In the era of social media, this phenomenon is increasingly prevalent, influenced by digital algorithms that reinforce narcissistic mindsets and the search for social validation. This article examines various manifestations of MCS in social interactions and their impact on interpersonal relationships. Using qualitative methods based on literature analysis, this study found that MCS can enhance self-expression but also trigger problems in empathy and social connectedness. Therefore, it is important to understand the balance between individuality and social awareness in everyday life.

Keywords

References

  1. Danielsen, H. E., et al. (2024). Focus on self-presentation on social media is associated with perfectionism and disordered eating among adolescents. BMC Public Health. (Cari di Google Scholar). BioMed Central
  2. Fang, A., et al. (2022). Maladaptive self-focused attention and default mode network connectivity. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience. (studi neurosains mengenai self-focus). Oxford Academic
  3. Fegan, R. B., et al. (2021). Social media use and vulnerable narcissism. (Artikel akses terbuka / PMC — hubungan antara penggunaan media sosial dan narsisisme rentan). PMC
Show 17 more references
  1. Hjetland, G. J., et al. (2022). Focus on self-presentation on social media across adolescent samples: upward social comparison and self-presentation. (exploratory study, akses via PMC). PMC
  2. Kong, F., et al. (2021). Vulnerable narcissism in social networking sites: mechanisms and social comparison mediators. Frontiers in Psychology. Frontiers
  3. Li, W., et al. (2024). Vulnerable and grandiose narcissism differentially predict phubbing and related social behaviours. (Jurnal perilaku/media). Taylor & Francis Online
  4. Lin, M., et al. (2021). Self-focused attention vs. negative attentional bias during social situations: implications for social anxiety and interaction. (Behavioral research). ScienceDirect
  5. Mann, R. B., et al. (2022). Adolescents and social media: effects of frequency of use, self-presentation, social comparison, and self-esteem on identity reflection. (peer-review). ScienceDirect
  6. Meral, Y., et al. (2022). Self-image and self-focused attention in a social interaction situation: relevance for social anxiety. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy. Cambridge University Press & Assessment
  7. Musetti, A., et al. (2022). Vulnerable narcissism and problematic social networking sites use: the mediating role of motives for SNS use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health / MDPI. MDPI
  8. Nanamori, M., et al. (2023). Triggers of self-focused attention: an ecological momentary assessment study. (EMA study linking situational triggers to self-focus). PMC
  9. Neale, O. T., et al. (2023). Role of visual social networking, hypersensitive narcissism and upward/downward social comparisons in SNS behaviours. (Frontiers / Elsevier sources). ScienceDirect
  10. Nguyen, T. N. D., et al. (2025). Narcissism, social media addiction, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among Gen Z: complex interplay. Psychology Research and Behavior Management. (2025 study; relevan untuk dinamika generasi muda). Dove Medical Press
  11. Nor, N. F. M., et al. (2025). The role of false self-presentation and social anxiety in excessive social media use. (akses terbuka, 2025). PMC
  12. Poole, K. L., et al. (2022). Shyness, self-focused attention, and behavioral mimicry. (penelitian perilaku sosial yang menunjukkan bagaimana SFA mengubah interaksi sosial). ScienceDirect
  13. Soh, S. (2024). Identity development in the digital context: framework for investigating identity–digital environment relations. (systematic/theoretical review, berguna untuk memahami 'main character' sebagai konstruksi naratif). Wiley Online Library Compass
  14. Zillich, A. F., et al. (2024). The impact of social norms on adolescents' staged self-presentations and authentic self-presentations on social media. (mengaitkan norma peer dan self-presentation). SAGE Journals
  15. Balcerowska, J. M., et al. (2025). A longitudinal study on reciprocal relations between grandiose narcissism and SNS addiction. (2025 longitudinal evidence tentang hubungan dua arah). ScienceDirect
  16. Muyidi, A., et al. (2025). Exploring how social media usage shapes self-presentation among young adults: a cross-cultural study. Frontiers in Psychology (2025). Frontiers
  17. Mazzeo, O., et al. (2025). Narcissism between cold-blooded and hot-headed: variants, cyber-behaviours, and online aggression. Frontiers in Psychology (2025). Frontiers

Copyright (c) 2025 Amalia Tasya (Author) · CC BY-SA 4.0

PJ

My Account

Submit a manuscript