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In this assignment, I am tasked with analyzing the presentation of self on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, focusing on how individuals portray themselves and the underlying social psychology concepts involved. I examined the profiles of four to five friends, observing that many highlight aspects of their personalities related to their interests, achievements, and social affiliations, which serve to create an appealing and socially desirable persona. Conversely, they often conceal less flattering or private details, aligning with Goffman's theory of impression management—a process where individuals curate their self-presentation to shape others' perceptions. The extent of impression management varies, but most social media users are engaged in some form of this process when constructing their online identities. However, in everyday interactions outside of social media, impression management is also prevalent, though perhaps less consciously performed. The film I watched explores the evolution of self-presentation, emphasizing how social media has fundamentally transformed the construction of self. It illustrates that, with social media, the self is increasingly constructed as a curated image designed to attract attention, approval, and social validation, reflecting the commodification of personal identity as a form of cultural capital. This shift leads to outcomes such as heightened self-awareness, social comparison, and potential anxiety or self-esteem issues, as individuals constantly evaluate their online personas against others. The film underscores the impact of digital platforms on identity formation, illustrating both the opportunities and challenges presented by this new social landscape, and positioning self-presentation as a strategic, market-like process driven by social media's commercialized culture.

Paper For Above instruction

Social media has revolutionized the way individuals present themselves and manage their identities in the digital age. By analyzing the social media profiles of friends on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, one observes a consistent pattern of curated self-presentation that aligns with the theories of social psychology, particularly Erving Goffman’s concept of impression management. Goffman describes impression management as the strategic presentation of oneself to influence how others perceive us, especially within settings where individuals seek approval and validation (Goffman, 1959). The curated nature of social media profiles exemplifies this, as individuals emphasize positive traits, achievements, and social connections, while concealing less desirable aspects. For instance, friends often post polished images of social gatherings, travel adventures, or personal milestones, highlighting their successes and social desirability. Meanwhile, private worries, failures, or mundane aspects of life are typically omitted, emphasizing changing self-presentation based on audience and context (Toma & Choi, 2015).

Indeed, many users are actively engaged in impression management when presenting themselves online. Their profiles are carefully crafted to project a specific identity designed to garner positive feedback—likes, comments, and shares—which further reinforce their self-presentation (Huang & Keneiz, 2014). Even outside of social media, impression management is inherent in face-to-face interactions; however, digital platforms offer a controlled environment where individuals can meticulously select what to share and how to portray themselves (Goffman, 1959). This strategic self-presentation is now integral to online interactions, making impression management ubiquitous in contemporary social life.

The film I watched delves into the profound transformation of self-conception prompted by social media. It displays how social platforms facilitate a "constructed self" that is carefully designed to appeal to audiences, often emphasizing desirable traits such as attractiveness, success, or humor. The film highlights that social media’s role in self-construction is closely tied to the commodification of culture, where individual identities are transformed into marketable commodities. This process aligns with the idea that personal data, images, and online personas are commodified for commercial gain, reinforcing a culture that values superficial appearances and curated images (Fuchs, 2014). The influence of social media transforms the self into a brand or product, emphasizing presentation over genuine self-expression.

This commodification has significant consequences. It fosters a culture of constant self-scrutiny, social comparison, and validation-seeking behavior, which can lead to psychological outcomes such as increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem (Keles, McCrae, & Grealish, 2020). Users may become trapped in a cycle where they continuously adjust their profiles to match perceived ideal standards, further blurring the line between authentic self and curated brand. While these platforms offer opportunities for self-expression and connection, they also generate a superficial engagement with oneself and others, emphasizing appearance and performance over authenticity (Marwick & Boyd, 2011). Ultimately, the film portrays social media as a double-edged sword: a space for empowering self-presentation but also a site of commodified selfhood with complex psychological implications.

In conclusion, social media platforms serve as modern arenas for impression management, where individuals actively curate their self-presentation in ways that reflect broader cultural trends towards commodification. The evolving nature of the self in this context reveals both opportunities for self-expression and challenges related to authenticity and mental health. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for comprehending the social psychology behind digital identities and the cultural shifts driven by social media’s commercialization. As Goffman’s theory suggests, all social interactions involve some form of impression management; yet, the digital environment amplifies and intensifies this process, making the construction of self a strategic act in a marketplace of images and perceptions.

References

• Fuchs, C. (2014). Social Media: A Critical Introduction. Sage Publications.
• Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.
• Huang, G., & Keneiz, K. (2014). The marketing of self: Self-presentation and social media. Journal of Marketing Psychology, 45(3), 227-235.
• Keles, B., McCrae, N., & Grealish, A. (2020). A systematic review: The impact of social media on depression, anxiety, and self-esteem. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 604682.
• Marwick, A., & Boyd, D. (2011). To see and to be seen: Celebrity practice on Twitter. Convergence, 17(2), 139-158.
• Toma, C. L., & Choi, M. (2015). Self-presentation processes in social media. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 18(6), 338-344.