In the digital society, social media plays an essential role in how we construct and express our identities. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok provide forums for users to communicate ideas, express opinions, and portray lifestyles. However, this raises the question of whether users present their true selves online or merely an ideal self that they want others to recognise.
This can be explained by Goffman’s theory of self-presentation. In “The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life”, Goffman (1959) describes social interaction as a form of theatrical performance. Individuals manage the impressions they create depending on their audience. Individuals can choose what to post based on the impression they wish to create through social media. For example, users may post only enjoyable experiences to present a positive image, while hiding private struggles and difficulties. This reflects the front stage, where individuals show the image they want others to see, while their private experiences represent the backstage. Thus, audiences can only see certain aspects of an individual’s identity.
Moreover, social expectations are another factor influencing how people frame their digital identities. Popular trends, standards and lifestyles may influence the content individuals choose to post online. Some users may follow the trends because they want to construct an impression of being fashionable, fit in with others and gain social approval. Although some people enjoy these trends, others may follow them to meet social expectations. Social media allows us to express ourselves freely, but it can create pressure at the same time to follow what is currently popular. As a result, this raises a question: are users expressing their true identities, or changing themselves to gain acceptance from others by following the trend?
Hogan (2010) further develops Goffman’s idea by analysing the difference between performance and exhibition on social media when people construct their impressions. Unlike face-to-face interaction, social media posts are visible on users’ accounts and can be viewed repeatedly. Therefore, digital identities are not only shaped by the current online interactions, but also by the content shared previously. Also, users need to continuously maintain and manage their impression online. This raises another question: if users need to maintain an ideal self over a long period, could they lose their true self?
However, following the trend does not mean that users are losing their true identities. Some people genuinely enjoy these styles and use social media actively to express their interest, while others may follow them mainly to feel accepted and avoid being left out. This shows that the same behaviour can reflect different motivations.
In conclusion, digital identities are shaped by both personal interest and social expectations. It is crucial to strike a balance between personal expression and the desire for social acceptance when presenting ourselves online.
Reference
Goffman,E., (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Doubleday.
Hogan, B. (2010) ‘The presentation of self in the age of social media: Distinguishing performances and exhibitions online’, Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 30(6), pp. 377–386.
