There are two groups of self-identity in the virtual self portrayed in social media. The egocentric self is closely associated with egotistical persons. Sociocentric persons try to fit in within social groups and blend in most of the time (Murray 301). Their identity is conditional to the prevailing contexts within the social group. I consider myself to be sociocentric as I am not very actively engaged in the different social media sites but more of a follower within the different groups to which I belong.
I rarely initiate posts and chats within the social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and Tumblr. I belong to the Facebook group of my class and family. There are those who I consider the initiators of posts and chats. They are the ones who regularly post photos, videos, and musical clips. I normally comment depending on the tone of the group collectively. My active posts and chats are during events that I consider important such as my birthday where I may post photos as I celebrate with friends and family.
My physical self and my virtual selves are closely linked and the same. In normal everyday social encounters, I rarely take the initiative to start conversations. I prefer the other person or persons in a group to start a discussion of which I join with my contribution. I do not try to belabor my point of view and my comments are often cursory. If the topic being discussed is argumentative, offensive and charged, I prefer to follow the reasoning of the majority. This may be contrary to what I believe is true.
My virtual self is not affected by my online self since they are the same. The construct I have created is the same on both platforms. I prefer to one version of my “self” in both the platforms as it makes it easier to manage my interactions with people in the virtual and online spaces. I find it overwhelming to adopt a different person to fit the two categories. It is a way to easily manage my social construct and profile so that I can be easily identified in the online and virtual platforms.
Social media in North America and other societies may differ based on the cultural dimensions postulated by Hofstede. While North America is individualistic, most people tend to be egocentric in social media (Dainton and Elaine 288). In countries where the prevailing cultural proclivity is toward collectivism, people will tend to be sociocentric. The dimension of indulgence, when compared to restraint, is also an important factor in the use of social media in North America and other societies. Those which are more sociocentric will have the greater personal regulation of conduct and behavior on social media compared to North America.
I have learned that I am true to myself in both the physical and online platforms. Contrary to the egocentric social identity, I do not act or try to attract attention intentionally. I try to fit in and blend in so as not to attract much attention to myself. I have gained the knowledge that I can decide to portray two personalities and social identities if I chose to depending on which platform that will be used. I have realized that I am a follower and not a leader in the physical and online platforms of expression.
Works Cited
Dainton, Marianne, and Elaine D. Zelley. Applying Communication Theory for Professional Life: A Practical Introduction, SAGE Publications, 2011.
Murray, M. Critical Health Psychology, Palgrave McMillan, 2014.
