Impression management

Definition

Impression management is the process by which individuals attempt to control the perceptions others have of them through various techniques and behaviors. This concept is especially relevant in online spaces where anonymity allows people to craft and curate their identities, leading to a careful presentation of self that can differ significantly from one's real-life persona.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. People use impression management online to build specific identities that may not reflect their true selves, using tools like profiles, photos, and posts.
2. Anonymity on the internet can enhance impression management, as individuals feel less constrained by societal norms and expectations.
3. Impression management can lead to the creation of idealized personas that may cause psychological stress or identity conflicts in real life.
4. Different platforms encourage varying degrees of impression management; for example, Instagram often emphasizes visual curation while Twitter focuses on quick thoughts and interactions.
5. The effectiveness of impression management often depends on feedback from peers, which can reinforce or challenge the identities individuals seek to project.

Review Questions

• How does anonymity contribute to the strategies individuals use for impression management online?
  • Anonymity allows individuals to explore different aspects of their identities without fear of judgment. This freedom can lead to more creative and diverse self-presentations since people feel less pressure to conform to social norms. Additionally, the lack of identifiable consequences encourages some to present exaggerated or completely fabricated versions of themselves, impacting how they engage with others in digital spaces.
• Discuss the potential psychological impacts of impression management when individuals create idealized online identities.
  • Creating idealized identities through impression management can lead to significant psychological impacts. While it might boost self-esteem in the short term, it can also foster feelings of inadequacy and anxiety if the person struggles to maintain that curated image in real life. The disconnect between one's online persona and actual self may result in identity conflicts, where individuals feel pressure to live up to their digital representation.
• Evaluate how different social media platforms influence the nature and extent of impression management among users.
  • Different social media platforms shape impression management through their design and intended use. For instance, platforms like Instagram prioritize visual appeal, leading users to focus heavily on aesthetics and curated content. In contrast, Twitter's text-based format allows for quick thoughts and opinions, promoting a different style of self-presentation. The unique features and user cultures of each platform influence how individuals manage their impressions, often resulting in varied levels of authenticity and engagement across these digital spaces.

Related terms

Self-presentation: The act of consciously or unconsciously shaping the way one is perceived by others, often by altering one's behavior or appearance.

Social media curation: The practice of selectively posting content on social media platforms to create a specific image or narrative about oneself.

Anonymity: A state where an individual's identity is not known or disclosed, often allowing for more freedom in expression but also leading to potential misrepresentation.