The Presentation of Self in the Age of Social Media the Article by Bernie Hogan

The concept of self-presentation isn’t just some academic buzzword—it’s an essential part of how we navigate our everyday lives. Essentially, self-presentation is about the different ways we try to manage and control other people’s perceptions of us. Whether it’s curating our social media profiles, dressing up for a job interview, or just deciding what to say in a meeting, we’re constantly engaged in shaping how others see us.

Self-presentation isn’t just about striving for popularity or manipulating others’ views for nefarious reasons.

It’s a fundamental human behavior rooted deeply in our social fabric. It’s about survival and adaptation in a world where impressions can dictate our social, professional, and personal outcomes. Imagine going for a job interview and choosing to wear something casual instead of formal attire. That choice sends a message, whether you intend it or not. It’s this nuance and intention behind our actions that form the crux of self-presentation theory.

Sociologist Erving Goffman, one of the pioneers in studying this phenomenon, described it beautifully when he likened daily interactions to a stage play. In his view, everyone is both an actor and a spectator, performing roles tailored to different audiences. At work, you might play the diligent employee. At a party, you might be the carefree friend. Each setting demands a different performance.

Why do we engage in self-presentation? At its core, the motivation can usually be linked to one of three desires: to acquire resources, to build social ties, or to maintain self-esteem. In a professional setting, you might project confidence and competence to secure a job or a promotion. Socially, you might portray yourself as friendly and outgoing to win friends or a potential partner. What’s driving these performances is often the basic human need to belong and be accepted, alongside the need to feel good about ourselves.

Self-presentation strategies can broadly be classified into two types: assertive and defensive. Assertive self-presentation is when you take the initiative to shape others’ views by highlighting desirable qualities. This might involve showcasing your knowledge during a presentation or your ability to lead during a group project. Defensive self-presentation, on the other hand, is more about damage control. It’s the excuses we make when we’re late or the justifications we provide when a project doesn’t go as planned.

Both strategies have their place, and most of us use a mix of the two depending on the situation. What’s fascinating is how these strategies play out across different cultures and social settings. For instance, assertive tactics might be more appreciated in individualistic cultures like the United States, where self-promotion can be seen as a sign of strength and assertiveness. In more collectivist cultures, such as Japan, aggressive self-promotion might be frowned upon, and defensive tactics might be more common to maintain group harmony.

The advent of digital technology, especially social media, has transformed the landscape of self-presentation. Online platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn have become arenas for meticulous self-presentation. Here, you can edit, filter, and select what aspects of your life to display and how—often portraying a polished, idealized version of reality. The feedback loop created by likes, comments, and shares can further influence and reinforce these online personas.

But it’s not all positive. The pressure to maintain a perfect image on social media can lead to anxiety and depression. The disparity between the edited online self and the real, often messier self, can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

Let’s consider a real-life scenario: preparing for a job interview. Here, self-presentation is critical. You choose your outfit carefully, rehearse answers to potential questions, and maybe even tweak your resume to highlight particular strengths. During the interview, you watch your body language, control your tone, and manage your responses—all efforts to influence the interviewer’s perception in your favor.

Another everyday example could be a first date, where the stakes are equally high, albeit more personally. Here, you might choose stories that showcase your interests, charm, and humor, all the while downplaying aspects of yourself that you feel might not be as appealing.

Understanding self-presentation doesn’t just make us more adept at managing impressions—it also makes us better at reading the situations and intentions of others. It encourages a more nuanced view of social interactions and can even lead to greater empathy, as we understand the pressures each person faces in their performative roles.

Moreover, by becoming aware of our own self-presentation tactics, we can strive for more authentic interactions. While it’s natural to want to put our best foot forward, finding a balance where our public personas align closely with our true selves can reduce stress and increase life satisfaction.

In essence, self-presentation is about the everyday art of managing impressions. Whether we are aware of it or not, each of us participates in this subtle dance of influence every day. By understanding the theory behind it, we not only become better at crafting our own public personas but also more understanding of others. As the digital realm continues to evolve, the principles of self-presentation will become increasingly relevant, making it an essential toolkit for navigating both the real and virtual worlds. Whether it’s for climbing the career ladder or just finding your place in a social group, effective self-presentation is a skill worth honing.

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