Module 6: Ephemeral Narratives and Critical Literacy

Ephemeral media platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram Stories, and TikTok’s temporary features demonstrate how digital communication is increasingly structured around temporality rather than permanence. At first glance, disappearing content appears to encourage more spontaneous and authentic forms of storytelling. As Wakefield (2024) suggests, ephemerality can create a sense of immediacy and exclusivity that strengthens audience engagement. Because content is perceived as temporary, creators often feel more comfortable sharing informal or behind-the-scenes moments that might not appear on a permanent profile.

However, the temporary nature of these posts does not necessarily reduce the broader social and psychological effects of social media. Kim and Kim (2023) show that even ephemeral content contributes to processes of social comparison and identity construction, meaning that viewers continue to evaluate themselves against the experiences and presentations of others. In this sense, disappearing media may appear casual while still reinforcing existing social pressures.

Research by Barnea, Meyer, and Nave (2023) further complicates this dynamic by suggesting that audiences process ephemeral content more quickly and less critically when they know it will disappear. On fast-paced platforms like TikTok, this temporal pressure can encourage rapid emotional responses rather than reflective engagement. Ephemeral narratives therefore highlight an important paradox in digital media: while content may appear temporary, its cultural and psychological effects can be both significant and enduring.