Identity Construction and Performance in Social Media - 5.1.D.5 | Unit 5: The Interconnected World: Media and Multimodal Texts | IB Grade 10 English
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5.1.D.5 - Identity Construction and Performance in Social Media

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Interactive Audio Lesson

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Curated Self-Presentation

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today we’re going to talk about curated self-presentation. Can anyone tell me what they think this means?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it means how people choose what to show about themselves on social media?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! It’s about selectively sharing information and images to create a desired image. We often see profiles that depict idealized versions of ourselves. What kinds of content do you think people choose to include?

Student 2
Student 2

Maybe happy moments or achievements?

Student 3
Student 3

Or cool places they visit! Like traveling.

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! This curated presentation can lead to a disconnect between online and offline identities. Remember the acronym 'IDEAL' – Identity Deceptively Exhibited Across Layers. It highlights how we project different images in various contexts. Can someone think of a personal example of how they've curated their online identity?

Student 4
Student 4

I always post my best photos from vacations but rarely show normal days.

Teacher
Teacher

Great example! This selective sharing is common, and while it allows for creativity, it can distort reality.

Social Comparison

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Now, let’s discuss social comparison. How do you think seeing others' curated lives affects people?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it makes people feel like they aren’t doing enough in their own lives.

Teacher
Teacher

That’s a significant point. This phenomenon is often linked to decreased self-esteem. We can call it 'Comparison Anxiety'. Do you think it's a healthy practice to compare ourselves to others?

Student 2
Student 2

Not really. It can make you feel bad about yourself if you don’t have those experiences.

Student 3
Student 3

But isn’t it also motivational for some?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! While it can inspire, it’s important to focus on authenticity rather than unrealistic comparisons. How might we maintain a healthy perspective while using social media?

Student 4
Student 4

Maybe by limiting how much we look at others' posts or reminding ourselves that people post the best parts only?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Balancing engagement with mindful consumption can help mitigate negative feelings.

Digital Footprint and Persistence

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Teacher
Teacher

Let's wrap up by discussing digital footprints. What is a digital footprint?

Student 1
Student 1

It’s what you leave behind when you post stuff online, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! It persists long after posting. Why is that important?

Student 2
Student 2

Because it can affect future jobs or how people view you?

Student 3
Student 3

And even for college applications! They look at your social media.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! I want you to remember 'P.E.R.S.O.N.' – Permanent Effects Resulting from Social Online Narratives. It’s a reminder to think twice before posting. How can managing our digital footprints be beneficial?

Student 4
Student 4

We can curate our profiles to reflect better on us and avoid embarrassing stuff!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Being intentional about what we share online is key.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section explores how individuals curate and present their identities on social media platforms, focusing on self-presentation, social comparison, and the implications of digital footprints.

Standard

In this section, we examine the dynamics of identity construction and performance in social media, where users actively curate their personas through profile selections, content sharing, and network choices. It also discusses the impact of social comparison on self-perception and the long-lasting nature of digital footprints, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in the digital landscape.

Detailed

Identity Construction and Performance in Social Media

In the digital age, individuals actively engage in constructing their identities across various social media platforms, where the process is nuanced and layered. Each user meticulously curates their online persona through selected profile pictures, thoughtful captions, shared content, and chosen social networks.

Key Concepts:

  1. Curated Self-Presentation: This refers to the intentional effort to project an idealized or aspirational identity online. Users often select images and captions that create a specific narrative, potentially distancing their online selves from real-life experiences.
  2. Social Comparison: With constant exposure to others' curated lives, users frequently engage in social comparison, which can significantly influence their self-esteem and mental health, sometimes leading to feelings of inadequacy or pressure to conform to perceived standards.
  3. Digital Footprint and Persistence: The content shared on social media is often permanent, creating a digital footprint that can affect future opportunities and privacy. Users need to be aware of the long-term implications of their online activities and the importance of managing their digital reputations.

Understanding these dynamics is crucial in navigating social media environments effectively and ethically.

Audio Book

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Curated Self-Presentation

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The conscious effort to present a desired image, often leading to idealized or aspirational self-representations.

Detailed Explanation

Curated self-presentation refers to the intentional choices individuals make while displaying their identities on social media platforms. This can include selecting specific profile pictures, writing crafted captions, and choosing what content to share. The goal often is to portray oneself in a way that aligns with societal ideals or personal aspirations, creating an image that may not fully reflect reality but is easier to present in a curated way.

Examples & Analogies

Think of social media like a stage. Just as an actor might choose an outfit and rehearse lines to create a character on stage, people on social media choose specific photos and words to shape how others perceive them. For instance, someone might only post pictures from vacations while omitting images from their everyday life, creating an impression that they are always traveling and living lavishly.

Social Comparison

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The impact of constantly viewing idealized versions of others' lives on self-perception and mental well-being.

Detailed Explanation

Social comparison occurs when individuals evaluate their own lives and worth by comparing themselves to others, especially within the context of social media. As users see others' carefully curated posts showcasing vibrant vacations, perfect bodies, or happy relationships, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem if they feel they do not measure up to these idealized versions of life.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you’re at a party, and everyone seems to be having a great time while you're just standing by the snack table. If you start thinking everyone is having more fun than you, you might feel lonely or question yourself. Social media can amplify this feeling, making people think they are the only ones not perfectly happy. It’s like looking into a mirror that only shows the best angles of everyone else.

Digital Footprint and Persistence

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The lasting nature of online content and its implications for reputation, privacy, and future opportunities.

Detailed Explanation

A digital footprint is the trail of data that individuals leave behind while using the internet, especially on social media. This content, ranging from posts to comments to likes, can persist indefinitely, which raises concerns about privacy and reputation. What someone shares online can be seen by future employers or peers, potentially impacting opportunities based on past behaviors or opinions they once held, even if they no longer represent who they are.

Examples & Analogies

Consider digital footprints like footprints in sand. They can last longer than you might expect, just as things you post online may linger long after you share them. Someone might post something humorous in high school that they outgrow, but if someone finds it years later during a job search, it could be a lasting mark on how they are perceived. It's crucial to think before you post because those footprints can be seen by many others.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Curated Self-Presentation: This refers to the intentional effort to project an idealized or aspirational identity online. Users often select images and captions that create a specific narrative, potentially distancing their online selves from real-life experiences.

  • Social Comparison: With constant exposure to others' curated lives, users frequently engage in social comparison, which can significantly influence their self-esteem and mental health, sometimes leading to feelings of inadequacy or pressure to conform to perceived standards.

  • Digital Footprint and Persistence: The content shared on social media is often permanent, creating a digital footprint that can affect future opportunities and privacy. Users need to be aware of the long-term implications of their online activities and the importance of managing their digital reputations.

  • Understanding these dynamics is crucial in navigating social media environments effectively and ethically.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • An individual who shares only vacation photos on Instagram, presenting a glamorous lifestyle.

  • A student who edits their profile to reflect academic achievements while omitting struggles.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎡 Rhymes Time

  • In the digital stream, we often gleam, Sharing our lives in a curated dream.

πŸ“– Fascinating Stories

  • Once upon a time, a girl named Jane curated her life online, showcasing only her adventures. But as she compared herself to others, she learned to balance reality and aspiration.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the acronym CSD - Curated, Social Comparison, Digital Footprint. It outlines the key concepts to remember.

🎯 Super Acronyms

C.S.D.

  • Curation
  • Comparison
  • Digital footprint.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

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  • Term: Curated SelfPresentation

    Definition:

    The intentional selection of content and imagery by individuals to project a desired identity on social media.

  • Term: Social Comparison

    Definition:

    The process of comparing oneself to others, often triggered by exposure to curated representations on social media.

  • Term: Digital Footprint

    Definition:

    The trail of data individuals leave on the internet through their online activities, which can have lasting implications.