Self-presentation On Facebook

Question 1

Zhao et al 2008

Answer 1

Hypothesised that presentation of identity on FB would be different to anonymous sites nine and nonymous settings offline.

They found that : The Facebook selves
appeared to be highly socially desirable identities individuals aspire to have offline but
have not yet been able to embody for one reason or another.

Question 2

Zhao et al 2008

Answer 2

Facebook users in our sample were less likely to display yearbook types of single-person photos as their profile cover pictures.

They were more likely to showcase themselves indirectly through friend lists, photo albums, and wall post. There was a preference to show rather than tell.

Question 3

Implications of Zhao et al 2008 study

Answer 3

identity is not an individual characteristic; it is not an expression of something innate in a person, it is rather a social product.

It is performed differently according to varying contexts

‘True selves,” ‘‘real selves,” and ‘‘hoped-for possible selves” are products of different situations rather than characteristics of different individuals.

Also not true that online world always facilitates do isn’t behaviour

Itis also incorrect to think that the online world and the offline world are two separate worlds, and whatever people do online ‘‘hold little consequence”

Question 4

van Dijck

Facebook vs LinkedIn

Answer 4

Suggests that the information we put on social media, particularly nonymous ones such as FB & Linked in, is not really a reflection of identity as the type of tool used reflects how one presents themselves. E.g. Linked in is for professional promotion whilst FB without individual’s choice promotes self-expression. Instead suggests that social media profiles are are part and parcel of a power struggle between users, employers/employees and platform owners to steer online information and behaviour.

E.g FB does not allow people to misrepresent themselves without being barred, Linked in & FB under the scrutiny of employees.

People forced into adopting one identity when in actuality, as Goffman demonstrated, we put on different performances of ourselves in our everyday lives and thus is an inaccurate representation of ourselves.

Question 5

Zhao, Birnbaum, Livingstone, Papacharissi

Answer 5

Normative selves on FB

◦‘Sociable, popular:
group pics, No. of friends, Likes, comments and shares, others posting about you e.g. ‘show not tell’

◦‘well-rounded’:
Sporty (esp boys), Partying (but not too much), thoughtful’

◦No, no’s:
Deviant (.e.g gay), Studies, Religions & Misfortunes