Reflection Report There are definitely some interesting challenges to how we present ourselves online–especially nowadays when mediated communication is our primary mode while we shelter-in-place. In face-to-face interactions, there are lots of communicative cues that people can pay attention to. However, in online interactions, the amount of communication we communicate is more controlled. We tend to selectively self-present in order to manage the impressions of ourselves. In some ways, online communication gives us flexibility to craft ourselves and put a particular self/face out there. REFLECT on the following (and then scroll down to see what you will write and SUBMIT) 1. How do you want to be seen online? That is, how would you answer this question: I want to be seen as _____________________________ (What adjectives would you use here).

QUESTION

Reflection Report

There are definitely some interesting challenges to how we present ourselves online–especially nowadays when mediated communication is our primary mode while we shelter-in-place. In face-to-face interactions, there are lots of communicative cues that people can pay attention to. However, in online interactions, the amount of communication we communicate is more controlled. We tend to selectively self-present in order to manage the impressions of ourselves.

In some ways, online communication gives us flexibility to craft ourselves and put a particular self/face out there.

REFLECT on the following (and then scroll down to see what you will write and SUBMIT)

1. How do you want to be seen online?

That is, how would you answer this question:

I want to be seen as _____________________________ (What adjectives would you use here).

2. Compare your description to one online platform where you post most frequently. Review your online profile and/or communication messages, and at least 8-10 of your most recent photos, posts, and/or messages and think about the following: Does how you want to be seen vs. what you post match? Have you ever distorted your self-presentation online to make yourself appear more attractive or appealing? What were (if any) the consequences—for yourself or others—of creating this online mask?

(Consider revising or deleting content that doesn’t match your desired face).

WHAT TO SUBMIT:

After you have completed this reflective exercise, submit the following to me for your reflection report (Typed, double-spaced, 12 point font, and 1 inch margins, approximately 1-2 pages).

1. Complete this statement:

I want (desire) to be seen as _____________________________ (What adjectives would you use here).

2. Write a brief summary (suggested word count of 200-300 words) of what you found out about your online presentation and impression management (just a description is fine, you don’t have to share any photos with me if you don’t want to). Include in your summary your answers to these questions:

-Does how you want to be seen vs. what you post match? Why/Why not?

-If you have distorted your online presentation, do you think there are any relational consequences (for yourself or others) of creating/maintaining this online mask?

-What would you need to do to in the future to present yourself in a ways that might mesh with your desired presenting self/face (i.e as a means of identity/impression management)?

ANSWER

Reflection Report: Crafting an Online Persona

Introduction

In the era of mediated communication, our online presence has become a significant aspect of how we interact and connect with others. This reflection report delves into the challenges and implications of self-presentation in the online realm. It explores how we desire to be seen, compares this ideal with our actual online profiles, and discusses the potential consequences of distorting our online personas.

Desired Online Image

I want to be seen as authentic, knowledgeable, compassionate, and creative.

Summary of Online Presentation and Impression Management

Upon reviewing my online profile and recent activities on a prominent social media platform, I discovered a mix of alignment and discrepancy between my desired self-presentation and my actual posts (Vogel & Rose, 2016). While some aspects of my desired image were reflected in my online presence, such as sharing informative articles and expressing empathy in comments, there were also instances where I deviated from my desired image.

In an attempt to appear more appealing or garner attention, I occasionally distorted aspects of my self-presentation. This included selectively highlighting achievements and positive experiences while downplaying challenges and failures. Additionally, I found myself occasionally conforming to popular trends or opinions, compromising my authenticity in favor of fitting in with the online community. These distortions were driven by a desire for validation and acceptance, as well as a fear of being judged or overlooked.

Maintaining this online mask had both personal and relational consequences. On a personal level, it led to a sense of disconnection and inauthenticity. By presenting a skewed version of myself, I hindered the opportunity for genuine connections and meaningful interactions. Moreover, the pressure to maintain this facade created additional stress and anxiety.

Relationally, the consequences revolved around the potential for misalignment between the projected image and real-life expectations (Zimmermann et al., 2022). As others engage with the online persona I created, there is a risk of forming connections based on false pretenses. This can lead to disappointment and strain in relationships when the true self emerges, or when inconsistencies between the virtual and real-world personas become apparent.

To align my online presentation with my desired self/face, I would need to prioritize authenticity and vulnerability. This entails sharing a more balanced representation of experiences, embracing imperfections, and expressing diverse perspectives (Dwivedi et al., 2022). By being genuine in my interactions and striving for meaningful connections, I can create a digital persona that truly reflects who I am and resonates with others seeking authenticity in their online interactions.

Conclusion

Crafting an online persona is a delicate balance between presenting a desired image and remaining true to oneself. The examination of my online presentation highlighted the importance of authenticity and the potential consequences of distorting self-presentation. Moving forward, I aim to prioritize transparency, embrace vulnerability, and cultivate a digital presence that aligns more closely with my desired self. By doing so, I can foster genuine connections, foster empathy, and contribute to a more authentic online community.

References

Dwivedi, Y. K., Hughes, L., Baabdullah, A. M., Ribeiro-Navarrete, S., Giannakis, M., Al-Debei, M. M., Dennehy, D., Metri, B. A., Buhalis, D., Cheung, C. M. K., Conboy, K., Doyle, R., Dubey, R., Dutot, V., Felix, R., Goyal, D., Gustafsson, A., Hinsch, C., Jebabli, I., . . . Wamba, S. F. (2022). Metaverse beyond the hype: Multidisciplinary perspectives on emerging challenges, opportunities, and agenda for research, practice and policy. International Journal of Information Management, 66, 102542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2022.102542 

Vogel, E. R., & Rose, J. P. (2016). Self-reflection and interpersonal connection: Making the most of self-presentation on social media. Translational Issues in Psychological Science, 2(3), 294–302. https://doi.org/10.1037/tps0000076 

Zimmermann, D., Wehler, A., & Kaspar, K. (2022). Self-representation through avatars in digital environments. Current Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03232-6