Social Psychology-The individual self

Armando Teran Jr


English 215

Date: 8/21/10

Subject: Social Psychology-The individual self

First impressions can be considered important depending on the circumstances. I like to make a first time good impression on the first day of class to the instructor and to my fellow classmates. I was wondering what my classmates perceive of me based solely on my blog. Anyhow I would have to say there is a major difference in terms of making a first time good impression in a traditional modern day classroom as opposed to making a first time impression through a blog website. After reading the article written by Erving Goffman titled “The Presentation of Self” I learned a lot of new interesting information pertaining to how an individual would present themselves to others in person or through a social network. The author Goffman presents many interesting facts pertaining to how a person presents themselves. For example “When an individual enters the presence of others, they commonly seek to acquire information” (Goffman 42). What is meant by the author’s statement is people seek information based on appearance. Individuals may seek information like social and financial status based solely on appearance.

I feel non-verbal communication is also important. Goffman refers to non- verbal communication as “the expressiveness of the individual” (Goffman 43). Two key factors of expression are through “verbal symbols” and through “action” according to Erving Goffman. I do not think an individual can express these two key factors through a blog. Take for example action. In a traditional classroom setting an individual does certain things for certain reasons and this can show their personality traits. Being able to see how other people behave and act in person is completely different as opposed to reading about it on a social network.

After reading Goffman’s article I do not think we can truly know an individual if we have not met that individual in person. If we only know an individual through some form of social networking like a blog we only have access to limited amount of information about the individual. We will never get to see characteristics of emotion and behavior. An individual can easily deceive others on a social network like a blog as opposed to in person. There is also this stereotype of danger speaking with individuals through a social network as opposed to in person. However online courses are completely safe, I have taken several of them throughout my entire college career. Having a blog is a great way to keep in contact with fellow classmates pertaining to school work.

In conclusion, I would have to say it is difficult to really know someone if you have not met them in person. I feel that there are some missing elements meeting someone online as opposed to in person. An individual has the power to control their first time impression in person depending on the circumstances. Making a first time impression on a blog conveys just a small portion of the individual’s true identity. Technology has obviously changed how people socialize.