Impression management

Definition

Impression management is the process by which individuals consciously or unconsciously manipulate the perceptions others have of them, particularly in social contexts. This involves carefully curating one's online presence and interactions to create a desired image, which can significantly influence relationships and how identity is perceived in digital spaces.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impression management is particularly prominent on social media platforms where users curate their profiles to reflect idealized versions of themselves.
2. Individuals often engage in selective self-presentation by highlighting achievements or desirable traits while downplaying weaknesses or failures.
3. The concept highlights the tension between authenticity and the desire for social acceptance, as people may feel pressured to conform to certain online norms.
4. Online interactions allow for greater control over how one is perceived, leading to more calculated and strategic presentations compared to face-to-face encounters.
5. Impression management can lead to positive outcomes, such as enhanced relationships and self-esteem, but it can also result in anxiety and negative feelings if one feels they are not meeting their own or others' expectations.

Review Questions

• How does impression management influence online relationships among individuals?
  • Impression management plays a crucial role in shaping online relationships as individuals curate their profiles to project desirable traits and experiences. This selective presentation can enhance social connections by attracting like-minded individuals and fostering a sense of belonging. However, it can also create superficial relationships, where connections are based on idealized images rather than authentic interactions.
• Discuss the potential consequences of impression management on an individual's sense of identity and self-esteem.
  • Engaging in impression management can lead to a complex relationship with one's identity and self-esteem. While presenting an idealized self can boost confidence and enhance social interactions, it may also cause anxiety if individuals feel they must constantly maintain this facade. Over time, this pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy or impostor syndrome when one's real-life experiences do not align with their online persona.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of impression management on social media platforms and how they might alter personal relationships over time.
  • The long-term effects of impression management on social media can significantly alter personal relationships by fostering a culture of comparison and validation seeking. As users continuously present curated versions of their lives, it may lead others to engage in social comparison, affecting their self-worth and perception of reality. This can create distance between friends and loved ones as genuine connections become overshadowed by the pursuit of likes and approval, potentially resulting in isolation despite the increased connectivity facilitated by these platforms.

Related terms

Self-presentation: The act of consciously or unconsciously presenting oneself in a particular way to shape how others perceive them.

Social comparison: The process of evaluating oneself in relation to others, often influencing self-esteem and self-image.

Digital footprint: The trail of data one leaves online through social media interactions, posts, and online behavior that can shape their perceived identity.