Monday, June 16, 2008
Presenting The Self (Chpt. 6)
The Internet age has brought such a different relationship to interpersonal communication. In Chapter 6, I thought it was very interesting how it talked about self-presentation tactics, especially in self-description. Now with blogs, Myspace, Facebook, and other communicative resources online, we are always describing ourselves in ways that create desirable public impressions. Everyone portrays some kind of image on these sites and typically it is in a positive way, or similar to what others may believe them to be. We are constantly maintaining our image in ways we describe ourselves, the music we like, our beliefs on things, even our pictures on these sites. Most want to show a desirable image to others, even if it is not always the truth.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
Hi Caligirl, I really enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you and I think that the internet does make interpersonal communication very different and in many cases harder. You feel the need to create this image, and many times you have to think about what you're gonna put into a comment or a message, because in print so many things can be taken out of context. I also agree that we feel the need to put out a certain image on the internet. Like having lots of friends on facebook or myspace. Or putting up photos that look the most attractive. I think that's why my favorite myspace pictures are of people goofing off, because it shows their true self a lot more than a posed photograph.
Hi Caligirl
I agree, people are always trying to present themselves in a positive light. I also agree with your statement that we want to show a desirable image to others especially if people have Facebook or MySpace. I know I always update MySpace with all my recent pictures. I also even add the funny candid pictures which always makes me laugh because I can always remember how much fun I had for that day. Posting the candid photos on my page allow others to see my goofy side and how every picture doesn’t have to be a perfect one.
It is unique how you call this time period the "Internet Age." This makes sense because there are other ages such as the Ice Age. You did a great job in describing briefly about self-presentation tactics and the maintenance of image on the internet. This makes me wonder if the maintenance of the image "machine" might break down one day and we forget whom we REALLY are. It is similar to the concept of weaving a web of un-truth. On a different note, I think the creativity and skill level of blog writing portrays something about the person. Unlike a college admission essay, less care is given to editing online writing. Drinking and partying escapades (content) speak poorly to the employer, but I think writing and communication skills (technical) also make an impression on the employer.
Hey Caligirl! I agree with your post. Everyone has an image they want to portray to others and Myspace, Facebook, and blogs allow you to reveal what you want others to know without them being able to see what you don't want them to know. It's the whole idea of filtering out information to appear to be someone you strive to be. This was a great posting. I enjoyed reading your thoughts and point of view.
Post a Comment