A statement by Marwick (2013, p. 356), said that “research in ‘symbolic interaction’ shows that we present ourselves slightly differently to different people. Identity is flexible and changeable, and people are highly skilled in varying their self-presentation appropriately. Identity is thus socially constructed in tandem with the people around us.”  

When looking at my own experience on social media, I agree that this statement is true, that is because, I present myself in their best image and my best impression to those around me, and by doing so, I create an identity that is positive.  

I can relate ‘symbolic interaction’ with another concept, called labeling theory (Becker, 1963). We create labels in our personal lives which draw us to behave more in the manner of which we label ourselves. For example, the man who constantly calls himself ‘lazy,’ becomes more so. And external labels have led people to believe in those statements, and, in cases of bullying, this has caused evident cases of depression or worse.

When forming an identity, internally and externally, in real life or on social media, to improve our confidence, optimism, and positive results in our endeavors, it is important to recognize that behaving well in front of other people is necessary because our identity is fluid, and socially constructed, as much as it is formed by self-talk, and the encouragement of others.

References:

Becker, H. S. (1963). Outsiders: Studies in the sociology of deviance. Free Press.

Hartley, J., et al. (Eds.). (2013). A Companion to New Media Dynamics. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. ProQuest Ebook Central, https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/deakin/detail.action?docID=3422436.