Sociology Erving Goffman coined the term “ impression management ” to refer to t

Question

Sociology

Erving Goffman coined the term “impression management” to refer to the process whereby we alter our presentation of the self in order to satisfy specific audiences.

Consider your own experiences with impression management in your professional and personal life.

Question 1:

In what face-to-face situations have you managed your image to influence the opinions of others? Describe your motives for managing your impression and the outcome of your efforts.

Question 2:

Some studies indicate impression management plays a critical role in strategic self-presentation online. Describe examples you’ve used to handle impression management in online settings including social and professional networks.

Question 3:

How does impression management differ in the online world compared to face-to-face interactions? (minimum 500 words)

Explanation / Answer

1. Creating a good impression by introspection of self and monitoring, analysing, regulating and improving one's conduct in line with socially acceptable and desirable attributes can do wonders for an individual in his personal and professional life. For this, one needs to find out the ideal perception of a role it personality in the opinion of a society or a group and try to develop them to be the apple of many eyes. I have been in such situations where I tried to improve myself through self regulation and improvement in my habits, attitude and conduct. It helped me to get along with the groups, make friends, winning positive opinion of the superiors and colleagues and succeeding in professional life. My motive was not to get left by being undesirably different and be good to many to gain a social and professional advantage.

2. In an online setting, people in your circle always keep an eye on your activities and keep creating an impression of you, based in the activities, views, blogs, shares, photographs, comments on others' activities and your presence online. These activities can be tracked, recorded and revisited by anyone at any time, creating a complete picture of your personality. One important issue is that once you commit to something or say something online, it might come back anytime to haunt you. Unlike a verbal comment, online activity makes a long term impression on a huge population at a given time, making it important to be cautious while being online.

3. As discussed earlier, while community connected to you is spectator to your online behaviour unlike in person interaction where you might be listened to by few persons. Second, your words can not be reproduced unless someone videographs you. In online world, it is always possible, making it a path that need to be treaded with care. In face to face interaction you can offend some people or spoil your impression before few, but online you can become a villain for millions in a moment just by uttering few words or making a gesture.

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