self presentation

Early work in interpersonal communication posited a dichotomy between in person self presentation and online (also called viritual) self presentation. But more recent work recognizes that online and other new media venues simply give individuals additional formats to develop and present the self. Whether communicators present the self (selves really is the better term as there is no single self, but rather multiple selves) in person, via cell phone, in a web chat, or online discussion, all those activities are part of the self. (Unfortunately, the text for the class does a poor job addressing identity issues associated with new media.)

Sarina mentioned the dramaturgical perspective discussed in Chapter 6. This perspective views life as a series of performances and recognizes the interdependence of communicators in achieving self presentation goals. Facebook provides a good example of this interdependence, as part of an individual's self-presentation on Facebook is the person's friends and what friends write on the individual's Facebook page. Both Sarina and Carmen referred to presenting different aspects of the self to different audiences. Using different impression management strategies depending on the situation and relationship with other communicators is not only common but expected. My friends wouldn't expect me to present my "professor" self to them and start lecturing during a dinner party. Yet online self presentation can make impression management more challenging. For example, who are my audiences for Facebook? I have "friends" who are colleagues, students, coworkers, family members, social friends, professional friends--many different groups. How is each group interpreting my self-presentation strategies?

CGH blogged about ingratiation, or the strategies used to get others to like us. Generally, these are positive strategies, such as being friendly and complimenting others. But when used to manipulate, they are considered unethical. Rabbit Tale blogged about the concept of self disclosure in Web Lecture 3. When I was an undergraduate in the late 1970s, interpersonal communication courses tended to emphasize openness and complete honesty--no matter what the consequences. But communication scholars have learned that there are times when saying what you're thinking is not appropriate, and you might regret what you said later. In the web lecture I talk about reasons communicators might not want to disclose information.

The three chapters and web lecture for this week are especially interesting because they focus on the self and how the self is so intertwined in our relationships with others. Who you are influences how you communicate with others and how others communicate with you influences how you view yourself. In addition, how you view others influences your communication with them and how you communicate with them influences how they view themselves.

--Professor Cyborg