Digital Self - Understanding Online Interactions

**Digital Self** The digital self refers to how people present and interact with others online. Since people can't see your physical attributes or real-world behavior online, they form an impression of you based only on what you choose to share. **Example:** - If you post thoughtful comments on...

**Digital Self** The digital self refers to how people present and interact with others online. Since people can't see your physical attributes or real-world behavior online, they form an impression of you based only on what you choose to share. **Example:** - If you post thoughtful comments on social media about environmental protection, people may perceive you as eco-conscious, even if they've never met you in person. - **People able to present themselves on line in the manner that they want to. This is called self-presentation.** 1. **People You Do Not Know at All\ **These are strangers you encounter in online spaces, such as forums, public comment sections, or gaming communities. - Example: You comment on a public Twitter thread, and someone replies, but you've never met or interacted before. 2. **People You Know Both Online and Offline\ **These are individuals with whom you have real-world relationships but also interact with on digital platforms. - Example: Chatting with your classmate through Messenger to coordinate a group project while also seeing them in school. 3. **People You Know Only Online\ **These are individuals you've connected with exclusively through online means, such as social media, virtual groups, or gaming networks. - Example: Becoming friends with someone you met through a hobby-specific subreddit and chatting regularly, even though you've never met in person. **Why People Engage in Self-Presentation** 1. **Facilitating Social Interaction -** Presenting yourself in a particular way makes it easier to connect with others and form relationships. - **Example:** - Using emojis, memes, or hashtags in a post to connect with like-minded people. - Posting about your love for books in a book club group to attract other readers and spark conversations. 2. **Attaining Material and Social Rewards -** Presenting a positive or desirable image can help you gain benefits, such as job opportunities, popularity, or support. - Example: Posting a portfolio of artwork online to attract clients or gain popularity. 3. **Constructing Desired Identities -** Self-presentation allows individuals to shape how others perceive them, aligning their online persona with their ideal self-image. - Example: Creating a fitness account to appear disciplined and health-conscious. **Impression Management** This is the attempt to influence others\' perceptions of you. It can be **instrumental** (for rewards) or **expressive** (to reflect your identity). **Impression-Management Strategies:** 1. **Self-Promotion** - Proactively showing your skills to gain respect or rewards. - *Example:* Posting a video of you solving a complex math problem to highlight your intelligence. 2. **Ingratiation** - Trying to win approval by being agreeable or flattering. - *Example:* Commenting, "You're such an inspiration!" on someone's post to build rapport. 3. **Exemplification** - Demonstrating dedication through self-sacrifice or hard work. - *Example:* Sharing a photo of you staying up late to finish a project to show your commitment. 4. **Intimidation** - Displaying power or authority to influence others. - *Example:* A manager posting about firing someone to showcase their control over workplace discipline. 5. **Supplication** - Highlighting vulnerabilities to gain sympathy or assistance. - *Example:* Posting about financial struggles to encourage friends to donate. **Private vs. Public Self** - **Private Self:** Refers to internal thoughts, feelings, and experiences that others can't directly observe. - *Example:* Feeling nervous about a presentation but not showing it outwardly. - **Public Self:** Refers to behaviors or actions visible to others. - *Example:* Smiling during the presentation to appear confident, even if you feel nervous inside. **Online Interactions** 1. **People you do not know at all** - Example: Striking up a conversation in a gaming forum. 2. **People you know both online and offline** - Example: Chatting with a classmate on Instagram and also meeting them in school. 3. **People you know only online** - Example: Regularly messaging a person from another country whom you met in a virtual book club. **Social Media Use** 1. **Social Browsing** - Scrolling through posts without specific intent. - Example: Looking at funny dog videos on TikTok. 2. **Social Searching** - Actively looking for specific information or people. - Example: Searching for job openings on LinkedIn. 3. **Communication** - Interacting with others through messages or posts. - Example: Joining a group chat for a school project. 4. **Impression Management** - Controlling how others perceive you. - Example: Posting polished vacation photos to appear adventurous.