Abstract
Social networking platforms allow users the ability to control how their identity is presented to others. In the case of Instagram, users can edit and add filters to photos of their choice to be seen by public or private audience. While these features can be used as a form of self-expression, there are often other motivations for performing identity through Instagram. This paper identifies these motivations and outlines the affect that false representations of reality can have on audiences. The paper will examine the work of various researchers on performing identity offline, online identity, social networking use, and Instagram use. The research discussed in this paper suggests that people modify their identity online to conceal negative aspects of themselves in order to achieve a desired impression on their audience, which often includes impressing their social groups and communities. This paper also identifies that distorted representations of identity can cause negative self-evaluation in audiences, who engage in social comparisons online.
Keywords: Identity, Instagram, Social Networks
Introduction
This paper will discuss the motivations for self-presentation of identity and how false performances of identity can impact others, with specific reference to Instagram. The paper will draw information from many researchers in the communications field to present the argument that since Instagram allows users to choose how to portray themselves, they can create false perceptions of their identity to others, which in turn, can have a negative impact on the self-evaluation of their audiences. These audiences consist of the user’s offline communities, including friends, family and acquaintances, as well as their online social networks.
According to Pearson (2009), people online can “deliberately choose to put forth identity cues or claims of self that can closely resemble or widely differ from reality”. Due to the nature of online profiles, users do not accurately depict themselves but rather articulate chosen performances (boyd & Heer, 2006). The “performer” manages disclosure on social networking sites, choosing whether to share more private aspects of their constructed identity (Pearson, 2009). Furthermore, social networking platforms with fluidity allow for users to “play with aspects of their presentation of self” while communicating with others (Pearson, 2009). Through the social networking site Instagram, users often present their identity to make themselves appear more favourable, which can induce negative comparisons from their audience who may feel jealous or view their own life in a less positive light.
Presentation of Identity Online
Since the way people present themselves online can be significantly different from how they present themselves offline, it is believed that communicating with others in various contexts involves showing different aspects of one’s identity according to the situation (Goffman, 1959; Lazebna, 2015). According to Rettberg (2014, p. 51), when posting a photo to Instagram, people intentionally choose what they “want to remember and share” and what they “want to leave out”. Individuals will conceal aspects that could be perceived negatively and only share positive situations (Seehafer, 2017). Rosenberg and Egbert (2011, p. 4) define the process in which individuals regulate their own behaviour to expose desirable traits as “self-monitoring”. This involves creating strategic profiles and engaging in self-presentation tactics to expose their identity in a favourable light and have a desired impression on an audience (Rosenberg & Egbert, 2011; Seehafer, 2017).
Performances of identity in social networks start within the imagination of users and then are brought to existence with the aid of the tools and technologies of the platform, allowing users to “project, renegotiate, and continuously revise their consensual social hallucination” (Pearson, 2009). It is expected for audiences to believe the online content of others to depict accurate representations of identity that mirror reality, when instead these performances may not be genuine (Goffman, 1959; Seehafer, 2017). In contrast, Lee (2006) argues that self-presentation online is dependent on context, and therefore, interaction is not necessarily dishonest and deceptive. This argument supports Hardey’s (2002, p. 570) belief that rather than constructing “fantasy selves”, anonymous online interactions act as a foundation for building trust and establishing relationships.
Presentation of self on Instagram is mainly made up of an individual’s username, pictures and descriptions, profile photo, and bio, all of which take a part in constructing a user’s online identity. Users often upload photos of themselves with friends, at events, and “selfies” to make their life appear a certain way. A study by Adler (2017), found that the primary motivation for posting selfies was for ego-reinforcement, as these individuals feel better about themselves when receiving likes from others. In contrast to the arguments made in this paper, Adler’s (2017) study also found that participants posted selfies due to high levels of self-esteem and confidence, with one participant stating that posting selfies acted as a way for her to build her self-confidence and show love and appreciation for herself. While some Instagram users may present their identity candidly and confidently, many others use online identity as an opportunity to shape themselves as more favourable to others.
Using Online Identity to Belong
Much of the research into the way in which people present themselves to others is based on Goffman’s (1959) belief that individuals modify their identity to adhere to societal understandings and expectations. Goffman (1959) believes that people become characters that play out a performance when interacting with others to achieve a desired impression. Goffman’s beliefs can be applied to the modern Web 2.0 context whereby online users maintain their character and express performances through their social networking platforms, which have grown to become a fundamental factor in the management of identity and social relations (Mascheroni, Vincent, & Jimenez, 2015; Seehafer, 2017). According to Rosenberg and Egbert (2011, p. 5), individuals use self-presentation tactics in order to “make a desired impression on a particular audience”. The motivation for this is derived from individuals’ intrinsic need for acceptance and inclusion (Rosenberg & Egbert, 2011).
According to Pearson (2009), people construct their identities in relation to their networks and communities. People can often feel pressured to fit in with a certain group identity through the construction of their online identity, which can affect one’s reputation within a community (Kollock & Smith, 1999; Rettberg, 2014). Furthermore, Kollock and Smith (1999) argue that upholding and developing one’s identity or reputation is actually essential to the formation of communities. In modern society, people create and update online profiles that conform to society’s standards of self-presentation and social expectations (Mascheroni, Vincent, & Jiminez, 2015). The motivation for individuals to carefully manage and monitor the impressions made by their online identity is enhanced by the public nature of social network profiles (Rosenberg & Egbert, 2011).
One way that individuals try to impress their social groups on their social networks, mainly through Facebook and Instagram, is through uploading photos from particular events. According to boyd and Heer (2006), uploading event photos indicates “friendship structure to outsiders and an expression of appreciation to friends”, which displays participation and inclusion. Instagram has a feature that enables users to tag other people depicted in pictures and add the location that the photo was taken (Ridgway & Clayton, 2016). Additionally, each user’s profile has a “Tagged In” section that shows viewers all the photos that user has been tagged in. Tagging friends in photos can enhance the feeling of community online between friends. It can also help to achieve a desired impression on audiences, possibly that the individual is popular if they upload photos with many people.
Using Filters to Alter Reality
Rettberg (2014) argues that people upload photos to Instagram to heighten their own daily experiences and make themselves feel special. Instagram allows users to edit their photos and apply various filters that may conceal aspects of their performance (Seehafer, 2017). Filters are manipulation tools that can be used as a form of self-expression, involving the ability to adjust brightness, colour, saturation, and various other qualities (Hochman & Manovich, 2013; Seehafer, 2017). Instagram filters can create a different “feel” by altering the message communicated by the image (Hochman & Manovich, 2013). Using filters on photos allows for individuals to see themselves from a distance that “makes them new” (Rettberg, 2014, p. 27). By editing and using filters on photos, people are able to display an idealised image of “a socially-accepted and desirable persona” (Lazebna, 2015, p. 2). This idea is supported by Seehafer (2017), who argues that performances of identity online are expected to meet ideal standards and disguise everything that does not fit into these standards.
A study by Reece and Danforth (2017) found that depressed individuals were less likely to apply filters to their photos than healthy individuals. Additionally, the depressed participants preferred a black and white filter as opposed to the healthy participants that favoured the Valencia filter, which lightens the tint of the photo (Reece & Danforth, 2017). This suggests that people who are not depressed are the ones that are more likely to use filters on their photos, and hence, take notice of their impression management.
The Effect of Online Performances of Identity on Others
Since social media platforms allow for users to control how they present themselves to others, they contain idealised versions of identity (Hendrickse, 2016). According to Appel, Gerlach and Crusius (2016, p. 44), information presented online is positively skewed, increasing the “probability of unflattering social comparisons”. According to Wood (1996), social comparison refers to comparing oneself to others in terms of self-evaluation, self-improvement and/or self-enhancement. Social comparisons can result in envy, which is heightened when one compares themselves to their friends and peers due to its high personal relevance (Appel, Gerlach & Crusius, 2016). Vogel, Rose, Okdie, Eckles and Franz (2015) support this idea by arguing that social comparisons on social media construct negative effects on well-being and self-evaluation. Goffman (1959) suggests that social distance assists in generating admiration within an audience. This distance is enhanced in an online environment, especially between individuals that have not met offline as a comparison does not require direct contact (Wood, 1996). As many individuals use social networking sites to learn about others without engaging in any social interaction, the likelihood for social comparisons to occur is very high (Vogel et al, 2015; Wood, 1996). This not only involves looking at the profiles of family, friends and acquaintances but also those of strangers, whether famous, a friend of a friend or someone with no social connection whatsoever.
Many celebrities and models have an active presence on Instagram, with millions of followers that see every image they post. One of the most followed people on Instagram is Selena Gomez, who often shares photos containing her “thin-ideal body” (Hendrickse, 2016, p. 2). Gomez and other prominent Instagram influencers all have the ability to apply filters to their images, controlling the way others see them (Hendricks, 2016). While these body and beauty standards are conveyed through various social influences, the most prominent force is mass media, and therefore, social networking sites (Groesz, Levine & Murnen, 2002). A study by Shelly, Ward, Hyde and Shibley (2008) discovered that exposure to thin body images in the media positively relates to body image insecurities. This evidence is supported by Hendrickse’s (2016) study that found a strong relationship between body image concerns regarding thinness and appearance-related comparisons made on Instagram. Repeated exposure to such images in the media lead audiences to accept such portrayals as representations of reality, causing the thin ideal body to be seen as normal, and even expected (Shelly et al, 2008). Evidently, this affects many women’s satisfaction with their own body, and in turn, decreasing their self-esteem (Shelly et al, 2008).
Conclusion
Social networking sites provide a platform for people to represent their identity online through alternate performances (Pearson, 2009). On Instagram, users upload selfies as a way to perform their visual identity. Through performance, individuals engage in impression management in order to make a desired impression on an audience (Rosenberg & Egbert, 2011). Desired impressions are often based around fitting in with social groups, which can help users feel as if they belong within an online community. Rettberg (2014) argues that performance of visual identity online is coercive, and users feel pressured to display a group identity. Instagram allows users to tag others in photos, demonstrating inclusion and popularity while also enhancing the sense of community. Another feature that is widely used on Instagram is the ability to apply filters to photos. While filters may be used as artful expression, they are also a manipulation tool that can distort reality (Hochman & Manovich). Since users can control their performances online, identities often represent an idealised version of reality (Hendrickse, 2016). When viewing the profiles of others online, people use social comparisons by assessing their own life in contrast to the person online. Misrepresenting true identity online can cause audiences to experience negative self-evaluation, and even envy (Appel, Gerlach & Crusius, 2016; Vogel et al, 2015). Such social comparisons are present in examples of thin body performances throughout social media and Instagram. Overall, the affordances of social networking sites like Instagram allow users to perform their identity however they please, and false performances of identity can cause negative social comparisons from audiences.
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Hey Isabel,
I really enjoyed reading your paper, especially because of the way it was structured. It made it so easy to follow and watch the entire argument unfold, which made me understand a concept that I think a lot of us are subconsciously aware of in every day life, on a much deeper level. I think one of the most interesting things that stood out to me was how you tied in the study about mental health and the tendency for people with symptoms of depression to avoid posting content/images of the self on Instagram. Would you say this is a concept that should/could be explored further in terms of the way in which digital/Instagram culture actually interacts with our hierarchy of needs in terms of self-realisation and validation, versus physical and mental wellbeing?
Reading through the exploration of this topic as a whole was great.
Ananya
Hi Ananya,
Thank you for your comment! That is a very interesting concept you brought up and I would definitely like to see some future research into it. I think that Instagram and other forms of social media can definitely have an impact on the ability to fulfil one’s self-esteem needs. In turn, this would have an effect on mental wellbeing, which could expand into impacting physical wellbeing as well.
I didn’t go too in-depth in my discussion into the studies into the relationship between depression and Instagram use but if you were interested in further reading on this topic I suggest checking out the Reece and Danforth (2017) article. Through their research, the authors provide a detailed insight into the different factors of Instagram use that are indicators of depression in an individual.
Hope this interests you and thanks for your positive feedback!
– Isabel
Hi Isabel, this is excellent writing. I really enjoyed reading your paper very much. What I find very interesting is that though our papers are looking at different aspects around networks and communities, we are reaching similar conclusions. One of those seem to be around ‘belonging’. This was something I discovered in my research and it seems you have as well, that this search for belonging or acceptance—to feel part of something—drives people’s behaviour in an online environment.
This idea of ‘false performance’ is also interesting to me. Do you think ‘incomplete performance’ would be a more accurate way to describe the theme of your paper? I agree with your argument that for many people the identity they portray online is not an accurate one. However, is it not the case that the identity people portray online is still their true self, even though it is only fraction of who they are? So the person they portray is not exactly ‘false’ but rather ‘incomplete’. As I previously mentioned, it ties nicely into this search for belonging.
I think a parallel can be drawn between what you discussed in your paper about the identity people want to portray and the news we read and watch today. In short – they are both contrived. What I mean by that is that our identity we promote online is still our true self, but only a part of our true self. In other words, we deliberately omit other parts of our identity because we want people to see us in a particular light. A news story is similar in the sense that it can be full of true and factual information, but it might have a great deal more information omitted because the producer wants us to see the story from their point of view. The news story is still true, but incomplete. Would you agree with this comparison?
Again Isabel, great work on your paper.
Hi Julian, thank you for your comment.
While writing my paper I never considered that rather than referring to what I was discussing as ‘false performance’ would have made more sense as ‘incomplete performance’ but you have brought up some interesting points that I agree with. As I discussed in my paper, I believe that people only reveal small sections of their lives on Instagram, which allows them to make their lives appear more idealised than reality. This brings up the question whether this means the identity is then false or just incomplete.
Much of the research I discussed in my paper was based on Goffman’s idea that everyone is a character that performs their identity to others. I originally took this to mean that constructing online identity to show only certain aspects was a false performance, without considering that it may rather be incomplete.
I completely agree with your comparison between presentations of identity and news stories, as they both choose to display only select information. While I can see why you believe that a news story leaving out parts of information makes it incomplete, I think that it can skew the story to become false. Depending on what information is omitted, the story could be changed so the events that happened are not discussed accurately, which I believe would make the story false. Though, this is not always the case and I do think it depends on how much information they choose to leave out or even change. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on these ideas.
Thanks again,
Isabel
Hi Isabel, I totally agree that if you leave too much information out of a story it can change the meaning entirely, and yes that is fake news. That’s why I think it is important for news items to just stick to facts – Who, what, when, where and why. Additional feature stories that look at events in more detail should be read as if it is someone’s point of view so I think it is the responsibility of the viewer or reader to seek out differing opinions before they cast judgement on a news item. I think trying to determine a person’s identity is exactly the same. You really have to take parts of the jigsaw from different social media platforms to piece together a person’s identity. However, as I think you point out many pieces of that jigsaw may be completely out of context and therefore false. It really comes back to the point you made in your conclusion on misrepresenting true identity.
Hi Isabel!
Very engaging paper!
I related to your paper quite a bit as mine focused on a very similar topic. I completely agree with you that some people upload photos of themselves having a good time so they can gain a positive image from their peers. My paper talks about this too and it almost seems like a “managed” identity as life is meant to be full of ups and downs. Like you said, on social media platforms (such as Instagram), people tend to only post the positives that are occurring in their life. This makes their identity (virtually) not 100% true as the negative aspects and the downs in life are never expressed. This is so they can gain attention and “likes”. My paper goes into depth with this and even goes a bit extreme as I discuss how millennials can be so desperate for likes and attention to the point where they will start sexting or posting images on Instagram almost fully exposing themselves which can have some tragic consequences later on. Do you believe this is true? Are people that desperate for attention and likes online?
People seem to believe if they get a good amount of likes and attention online, they will gain respect from their peers but I believe this can result in their peers becoming very jealous of them to the point where they will start bullying / betraying them. Do you think this is a true fact?
Great work!
Jack
Hi Jack,
I find the idea you brought up of ‘managed’ identities very interesting and also relevant to the discussion in my paper. Your thoughts on millennials uploading content to receive ‘likes’ and attention from others in their online communities ties into my discussion on how people portray themselves online in order to fit in with their social groups. In a sense, accumulating lots of likes on a photo can be seen as a symbol of status, which can influence people to post idealised photos and other content to prove that they are ‘cool’ and make them feel like they ‘belong’.
I completely agree with you that people can often take this motivation to fit in too far by uploading almost naked photos because they know they will get more likes. This then links to my discussion about how uploading photos that appear to have an ideal body can cause audiences to feel negatively about themselves. And again, this is not necessarily a true representation of their identity or personality but rather just a way to feel good about themselves by receiving a lot of likes.
I think that bullying could definitely occur due to the false portrayal of one’s identity online. Whether this is from jealousy among one’s friendship group or more ‘popular’ peers that look down on the person, judging them for their attempts at fitting in. Additionally, bullying could occur from many different people (peers, friends, and even family) when an individual uploads provocative or nearly naked photos of themselves.
Thank you for your thoughts!
Cheers,
Isabel.
Hi Isabel,
I thoroughly enjoyed reading and analyzing your paper on false performance. I actually found it quite interesting and it made me think about my own paper in a way, as mine discusses ‘deceptive behavior’ online, specifically in relation to catfishing and dishonest interactions. However, your ideas regarding false performances act as another stream of deception online, no? It’s very interesting to observe the online world we are becoming accustomed to with the individuals we engage with increasingly being deceptive, one way or another!
I found your arguments and references to be strong and enjoyed the links you made to celebrities who are influencing consumers to be ‘just like them’, not caring about the harsh effect this has on many young followers. I wonder if you have noticed on social media platforms a lot more celebrities seem to be speaking out about this issue. I’ve been seeing a lot more posts with #nofilter or #nomakeup and activists showing before and after Photoshop posts such as HudaBeauty recently uploading an edited vs non-edited pic, wishing to show her followers what the online world can pressurise and support. I found this to be actually quite encouraging and I hope to see more celebrities or influencers speak out! What are your thoughts?
Again, great paper!
Charis
Hey Charis,
Thanks for your comment and feedback! I definitely think that false performances of identity are a way of deception online, as the individual is deceiving others into believing that their life is different than it really is. I find it quite shocking to step back and really think about the facade everyone creates throughout their various social networking platforms.
That is a good point you brought up about the #nofilter and edited vs non-edited movements that have been popping up lately across Instagram, Twitter, Youtube and even Facebook. While this is a great way for people to be genuine online, the Photoshopping of images throughout other sources of media is still very prevalent, especially in magazines. Although, I noticed a few years ago that Girlfriend magazine labeled whether their pictures had been photoshopped or not. I don’t believe many, if any, other magazines have followed this but I definitely think this would be beneficial for magazines to be more honest and genuine, while also reducing the negative effect that Photoshopped images have on audiences. I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this and if you know of any other magazines that have followed this initiative.
Thanks,
Isabel.
Thanks for the reply, Isabel!
It’s quite scary to think of the world we live in, so obsessed with ideals of perfection and beauty, people even stooping so low as to be deceptive and facade a false perception of the life they truly live! It’s quite discouraging that individuals feel too ashamed to project an accurate depiction of who they are.
I definitely think more magazines should do what Girlfriend magazine did! Should it be compulsory for magazines to state if a picture is edited? I’ve noticed other advertisements have to say “not to scale” or something along those lines when advertising products, surely edited ones should have to say that they aren’t completely accurately portrayed too…. Especially considering the harm it does to a lot of consumers!
Now that you ask me if I have noticed any other magazines following this initiative, I recently did see People’s Choice released an issue that featured a series of no makeup images of celebrities, called “The Beautiful Issue”.
I know Camilia Mendes (Riverdale Star) was featured and she also posted this on her instagram promoting makeup free images! Here is a link I just found with more info, if you want to check it out! https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/a19871724/camila-mendes-riverdale-people-no-makeup/
Hi again Charis,
I think it would be a great idea to make it compulsory to label when photos have been edited. Maybe this could help to reduce the amount of people who feel insecure about themselves when looking at pictures of edited models in magazines. I also think it’s fantastic that such popular figures like Camila are showing their viewers that it’s okay to show themselves online without filters or editing. This may contribute to makeup being used as a way to express oneself rather than a way of hiding ‘imperfections’. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hey Isabel,
This is a very well written paper and I found it very easy to follow along with where you were going with your discussion! In particular, I found your choice of using the broad approach for one paragraph followed by how the research relates to your topic to really benefit you getting your point across… I wish I thought of doing it similarly to you.
I found it really intriguing how you delved into the area of HOW and WHY Instagram users manipulate their identity and social spotlight to create effects such as “envy” by others and increase their status in a way. I really enjoyed how you gave examples such as filters, which is a prominent part of how people publish attractive photos that are glorified possibly more than originally in a digital format…not to mention the research to back it all up!
I found the research regarding people with depression applying filters more often to be very interesting. The mental side of social media is an intriguing conversation to have. Do you personally believe that the editing of photos actually brings more good than harm? I find various communities on social media actually frown upon photo editing in the modern era as something that is rather plastic, compared to the past.
Would love to hear what you have to say about this.
Very well rounded argument well done!
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your great feedback and support, I’m glad my paper really got you thinking. To answer your question, I personally like to use filters on my images to create a theme on my Instagram, rather than to edit my appearance. Although, this does change the overall look of the photo and colours, therefore making the image a false representation of reality. I have especially noticed this when editing and putting filters on images of sunsets, as you can completely change the colours and vibrancy of the sky, which is not accurate to how the sky really looked when you took the photo. I think that editing your appearance in photos through apps like FaceTune can definitely bring many negatives since you are actually changing the way you look. Although, this really depends how extreme the individual takes this. I have made small changes to my photos like editing out red-eye from flash, which I’m sure would not have any negative impact on my Instagram followers even though it is not an accurate photo.
Overall, I completely support using filters and editing to change the colours and ‘aesthetics’ of photos, as this has always been a large part of Instagram since the beginning. I just think it goes too far when people start changing their appearance completely, especially when they have a large following who might not realise these photos have been edited. Would you like to share your personal thoughts on this?
Thanks again,
Isabel.
Hey again Isabel,
I like what you have to say regarding changing the ‘aesthetics’ of photos and how its been a promotional use by Instagram to attract users. In essence, them saying that people should use the app to glorify their own photos. I completely support the use of this too as it doesn’t detract from the effect that the photo is trying to give and enhances the viewer’s experience viewing it.
I think that we are never going to see a halt to people physically editing elements within photos on their social media. Everyone wants acceptance and to portray themselves in the best light they can appearance wise and I think that the the ease of being able to do this now just promotes the use of this even further. Drawing a line between when its right and wrong nowadays is too tough I believe in this digital age where we can edit more than the aesthetics so easily. By changing the elements of the photo physically on a body shot for example, compared to something minor such as a filter is when it becomes classified to me as creating a whole new online identity for yourself. For me it is technically not you portraying your true self, but creating a new digitalised identity. Do you agree with this?
Hi Tom,
I completely agree with you. Simply putting a filter on a photo is not a false portrayal of identity but rather an expression of self. On the other hand, using editing tools to change one’s appearance can have very different effects. People often edit their bodies on Instagram to appear thinner, which can negatively impact their viewers and also lower their own self esteem.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Hi Isabel!
I really enjoyed reading your paper, especially since my paper also used Instagram as an example of a social media site due to its many unique characteristics. I think Instagram is probably such an interesting topic to discuss due to the structure of the site; in that the main form of communication is done through images, not words. It’s crazy to think how much we are impacted by the amount of likes we get on our posts or by how we feel our posts are in comparison to others. I loved that your paper really delved into how we are affected by this subconsciously and how even the smallest change like putting a different filter over an image can project such a different message to the world. I found the discussion you brought up about the difference in one study of depressed individuals posts as opposed to mentally healthy individuals posts to be very interesting and thought provoking.
Do you think it is possible for anyone to post an image, especially on Instagram without it being guided by our fear of what other people will think? Have you ever been able to post something without having this thought?
-Nicola
Hi Nicola,
Thanks for your comment and support! In regards to your questions, I do think it is possible for someone to post an image without fearing the judgements of others but it really depends on the situation and the person. Someone who has their profile on private and only accepts follows from their close friends may feel completely comfortable posting anything they like. Like many of my friends, I actually have a private Instagram where I post photos that I would not post on my public Instagram. It’s basically just a place that I can share parts of my life with selected friends, without fearing the judgement of my public Instagram followers who consist of people I don’t really talk to much and strangers.
I also think that posting photos that are not of yourself (for example, a photo of the sunset) is a lot less risky in terms of fearing other peoples’ thoughts. Overall, I believe that posting selfies or images of oneself will bring more fear of judgements but posting privately to close friends will decrease this fear.
Thanks again,
Isabel.
Hi Isabel,
Great paper! I was drawn to your title because it sounded like it could be along similar lines of my paper. I think you might also find my paper interesting and I’d be interested to know what your thoughts on my topic are – https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2018Bentley/2018/05/07/creative-identities-in-creative-online-communities-by-tikvah-jesse-vismer/.
You covered and discussed some very important and interesting points to do with how performances on social media can greatly affect other people, causing jealousy and hurt.
You mentioned something along the lines of people choosing to hide the negative aspects of their life and only show the positive aspect of their identity, so to speak. What do you think of the idea that people can display a part of their identity. So let’s say they are a creative (as in my paper) and they choose to only display this creative identity online. Would you consider this as “wrong”?
Again, great paper as it address the very important issues of comparison of ourselves because of other people’s performances online and thus can affect our happiness and self-esteem.
– Tikvah
Hi Isabel,
As Instagram is probably the social media platform that I spend most of my time on this was really interesting to me. A lot of the information just confirmed ideas that I had previously had about the motivations behind Instagram.
However one thing I had never really thought about was how friendships are strengthened through being tagged in posts from another friends account. It made me reflect and realise that yes I do feel appreciated and closer to a friend who will post a picture of me on their Instagram account as opposed to a friend who does not.
This was a really interesting and enlightening read. What do you think will be next Instagram feature to be introduced to help enhance our online images?
Thanks,
Perri
Hi Isabel,
I found your paper really interesting to read and I think you have made some great points!
What stood out for me was how you talk about social networking sites allowing people to ‘edit’ their identity online and hide the negative aspects of themselves. You provide a great critique on the reasons behind identity construction and why people edit and post their ideal self. I thought your point made about posting photos and experiences on Instagram can heighten this for people and make them feel fulfilled really explained why people construct their ‘idea’ self online. I post photos online also to enhance my experience by sharing it with others, I think most people who post online would feel the same, would you agree?
I also liked how you talked about filters and photo editing being a manipulation tool and how this encourages people to compare themselves to these ‘edited’ versions of reality. I completely agree with this and feel like an edited photograph that only shows the perfect aspects of someone can have devastating affects on self-esteem. Have you ever compared yourself to someone’s life on Instagram? I definitely have been influenced by this before and found myself scrolling through perfect photos online and thinking how fabulous their life must be! I definitely think that it is one thing to acknowledge these are constructions but another to try not be influenced by them as it’s almost impossible to image the person you see online e.g. Selena Gomez as anything else if you haven’t met her or seen everything that goes on behind the scenes of someones photo, like the before or after. What are your thoughts ?
I found your paper really relates to mine, as I talk about how identity manipulation is prominent in micro-celebtities. I use Lauren Curtis, the famous beauty influencer on Youtube as an example because she openly talks about how her photos on Instagram only portray the positive aspects of her life and explained she does this because she doesn’t want to see the negative in her own life. Would be interested to hear your thoughts on my paper (:
Here’s the link:
https://networkconference.netstudies.org/2018Bentley/2018/05/07/639/
Hopefully can discuss this more with you!
Thanks
Sherree
Hi Isabel,
really great paper! It’s really engaging, especially coming from a place where unhealthy comparison is something that I’m sure we’ve all done once on Instagram.
In my paper I discuss how identity manipulation can hel young people to learn about social boundaries and where they want to fit into society, which is quite the opposite of what you’ve argued here. After reading your sentence “Misrepresenting true identity online can cause audiences to experience negative self-evaluation, and even envy”, I’ve come to think for the first time since writing my paper how other people might be affected by this identity play, instead of the focus on the young person who is trying to experience the world. I hadn’t yet thought of the impact on perhaps the family or friends of the person coming across one of the experimental identities the person may be using, and how if it was one more controversial this could affect their ‘real life’ relationship.
I was wondering what your thoughts on using Instagram to explore different identities would be, in relation to the self-esteem issues you brought up? Thanks for helping me to think more critically about what I have written!