Social Network and Self-Perception Presentation (2015) by Bronte Mcmillan

Whilst researching Kylie Jenner and her self-perception issues, I stumbled across this presentation and found it very interesting to read and extremely relevant to my research question, in particular Social Media.
The main points I took away from the quotes/extracts shown below, are that, Social Media ultimately is a platform which allows us to share images of oneself which are desirable to others, and project an image which we want to convey. I also found Wong’s (2012) point that, we only present ourselves in a manner that we want to be seen – “our desired selves” – once again hinting at a narcissistic world of self-awareness, self-obsession and self-branding. This is further emphasised by technologies, as noted by Kraut et al., (1998) whereby a world of curated galleries on Instagram for example will allow the above to happen autonomously, naturally and distinctively in a world where “Internet usage in particular, will continue to transform economic and social life on a global scale”.

“The social comparison theory was first discussed by Leon Festinger (1954), he described it s the instinct that humans have to assess their abilities and opinions. When we are unsure about our abilities and opinions, this theory states that we establish our own personal and social worth based on how we compare to others (Psychology Today, 2015).”

“Information and Communication Technology is rapidly becoming an accelerator of political, economic, social and educational globalization” (Agbatogun, 2012).”

“Self-presentation among people tended to lean towards their desired selves and away from their undesired selves” (Wong, 2012).”

“Primary motive for presenting oneself on the internet sites was aimed to convey desired images to the others” (Wong, 2012).”

“Economists, social scientists, and technologists believe that the rapid advances in technology, and the huge
increase in Internet usage in particular, will continue to transform economic and social life on a global scale
(Kraut et al., 1998).”
Social comparison:
Social comparison divided into 2 factions:
1. Upward social comparison
2. Downward social comparison
Can be divided into positive and negative:
1. Positive = drive to succeed
2. Negative = social isolation, negative thoughts
Upward Social Comparison
1. Positive: makes you feel better about self/ self enhancing.
2. Negative: bullying
Downward Social Comparison
Split into positive and negative:
Twitter
Avatar Comparison
Identity tourism
Linked to self-concept
When less appealing compared to others, act bad.

Source:
Bronte Mcmillan. (2015). Social Network and Self-Perception. Available: https://prezi.com/ve5wnunhbqof/social-network-and-self-perception/#. Last Accessed: 20th October 2016.