In an intriguing piece for Psychology Today, Texas-based marketing professor Utpal M. Dholakia explores how social media bragging “benefits the braggart”.

According the research he’s scoured through, posting a brag on LinkedIn or Instagram has a two-fold effect on performance.

Firstly, it provides a short-term “motivational jolt” that is similar having a cup of coffee during a mid-afternoon slump.

You’re fuelled by recognising your own worth, and also by the likes and comments that your recognition attracts (an extra shot, if you will).

The effect of this boasting means you’re likely to see yourself as more influential than you actually are - at least in the short-term.

“After you’ve bragged about something, you’ll feel in control of your work for the rest of the afternoon,” says Prof. Dholakia.

And secondly, when you receive positive feedback from other people about your brag, you self-esteem spikes (as this study shows).

Why social media bragging means you may be a secret genius