Читать книгу The Interpersonal Communication Playbook - Teri Kwal Gamble - Страница 69

After completing this chapter, you should be able to

1 Define self-concept, distinguishing it from the self, and noting its effect on your communication presence and relationships

2 Define self-esteem, distinguishing high self-esteem from low self-esteem and discussing the effects of each on performance

3 Explain reflected appraisal theory, social comparison theory, and confirmation, rejection, and disconfirmation, using them to discuss the role you and others play in shaping the self-concept

4 Define self-fulfilling prophecy and distinguish between a positive and negative Pygmalion

5 Explain the importance of periodically reexamining and revising your self-concept

6 Explain the influence that cultural diversity and gender have on the self

7 Describe how media and technology affect self-conceptions

8 Identify how you can change and strengthen your self-concept

Know thyself.

—Socrates

What role do social networks play in our lives? Do they encourage us to put our best “face” in front of others? Do they cause us repeatedly to fall in and out of love with ourselves as we compare ourselves to others? If set today, would the Greek myth find Narcissus in love with his Instagram or Facebook feed rather than with his reflection?¹ Might we also find him counting his followers or friends as we do?

The feature film The Social Network introduces us to a fictional portrayal of the real Mark Zuckerberg, the entrepreneur who created Facebook. As one writer observed, Zuckerberg created Facebook, not Footbook or Elbowbook.² Zuckerberg was acting on the belief that it is human for people to want to know what is going on in each other’s lives. And we have proven him right. You likely are among the 68 percent of Americans who use Facebook.³ We are not just Facebook’s users, however. We are also Facebook’s products. We log on, post selfies that display ourselves as attractively or enticingly as possible, and update our lives for others to share by the minute if we’re obsessed, by the hour if we’re driven, and by the day if we’re typical users.

What motivates participation on Facebook and other social networks? A deep interest in each other and a desire to be noticed. We feel the need to tell about a new shirt, car, promotion, hairstyle, significant other, or status change. Facebook capitalizes on our longing for connection and attention—to be virtually alive. Zuckerberg understands that we want others to know about us. He understands that showing our face helps us validate our identity—and our concept of self.⁴ The question is, Do Facebook and other social media platforms have positive or negative influences on our concept of self as we engage in self-promotion? What do you think? ■