Impression Management

Definition

Impression management is the process by which individuals attempt to influence the perceptions others have of them in social interactions. This involves various strategies and techniques to create a desired image, ensuring that they present themselves in a way that aligns with their goals or social expectations. The concept is linked to self-presentation, social identity, and interpersonal dynamics, as individuals navigate their roles in different contexts to maintain favorable impressions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Impression management can involve strategies like self-disclosure, flattery, and conformity to social norms to shape how others see us.
2. Goffman emphasized that people perform different versions of themselves depending on the setting and audience, similar to actors on a stage.
3. Effective impression management is crucial in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, job interviews, and social networking.
4. People often engage in impression management subconsciously, using cues from their environment and social feedback to adjust their behavior.
5. Social media has transformed impression management, allowing individuals to curate their online personas more carefully than ever before.

Review Questions

• How do individuals utilize impression management techniques to navigate social situations?
  • Individuals use various impression management techniques to navigate social situations by employing strategies like self-presentation, adapting their behavior, and utilizing non-verbal cues. For instance, someone may dress formally for a job interview to convey professionalism or engage in flattery during conversations to foster positive relationships. These techniques help shape perceptions and facilitate smoother interactions with others.
• Discuss the role of Goffman's dramaturgical approach in understanding impression management in everyday life.
  • Goffman's dramaturgical approach likens social interactions to a theatrical performance, where individuals are actors presenting themselves based on the context and audience. In this view, people manage impressions by controlling the 'front stage' (the public persona) while maintaining a 'back stage' (private self) where they can relax without the pressures of performance. This framework highlights how people strategically modify their behavior and presentation to create favorable impressions according to the setting.
• Evaluate the implications of impression management in the age of social media on personal identity and relationships.
  • In the age of social media, impression management has significant implications for personal identity and relationships. Individuals carefully curate their online profiles, selecting which aspects of their lives to share publicly while omitting less favorable details. This selective presentation can lead to distorted perceptions of self and create unrealistic standards for others, impacting relationships through comparison and envy. Moreover, the constant feedback loop of likes and comments can intensify pressure to maintain an idealized image, altering authentic interactions and self-esteem.

Related terms

Self-Presentation: The act of consciously or unconsciously controlling how one is perceived by others through behavior, appearance, and communication.

Social Identity: The part of an individual's self-concept derived from their membership in social groups, which influences their behavior and interactions with others.

Role Performance: The enactment of behaviors and actions expected from an individual based on their assigned social roles in various contexts.