Social Media and the Many Concepts of Self

How My Online Selves Influence My True Self

Congratulations. With every post and every text, you are featured in the realm of social media. Yes, you are the cover of your own Brand.

These are our concepts of Self that layers on top of the interface and the content that weaves itself through the layers that came before it.

Luckily, all users start on an even playing field, but it is up to us to use social media to its upmost capabilities, if we want it to work correctly — if we want it to influence our lives effectively.

In this way, our online Self is programmed, prepped, and ready to compete for best in show.

The idea of online concepts of Self is one that I personally experience on a day-to-day basis.

Since I have started writing, I now use two Instagram accounts: one for making connections and content and another for personal pleasure.

Now, I know this will sound superficial, and I am inclined to agree, but I have learned to leverage content and expect relational validation from the account I’m using.

I become familiar with what the audience favors and what they are prone to “like,” so I use my choices on these templates wisely. I strategically choose what to post, where, and when.

Just the same, I decide which posts I care most about so I can have a minimal attachment to the outcome of its circulation.

My rationalization?

You could say that I manipulate the system, but that’s okay. I just understand what I’m doing.

And I don’t do it with malice or arrogance.

When you figure out how to play the social media game, you can manage your content AND your feelings. You don’t have to let the haters and the “likes” get to you, unless you can handle all the feels. I honestly doubt that though. Just in general, the stimulation is hard to handle, much less people’s reactions.

In doing this, it is possible to separate the virtual and actual worlds while acknowledging their intersectionality.

Here are some ways that I do this without being arrogant or too self-critical:

You can gain a few seconds before impulsively choosing to post. Maybe you’ll make a different decision that will save your Self-presentation. All it takes is a brief critical thought.

I post for myself, but there will always be the “like” option no one will ignore. In fact, it’s the main functions of social media. It’s a built-in incentive tool and it feels good when others like what we do. I just choose what content to invest my feelings and, therefore, understand the consequences of posting it (i.e. not receiving any likes or an amount that I’m not happy about).

I discern what content is relevant for each account or platform. Although my many versions of Self are separate, they all are true. I want to be authentic on each one.

I’m just being honest about what I use social media for and how I can use it to my advantage. I guess this is also about how I manipulate social media.. hmm. (Is this another article, perhaps?)

No matter what, my real Self benefits when my many online Selves thrive in their own space of social media. When people enjoy seeing pieces of me, I find a community where I am validated.

This isn’t where I am fully capable of being my Self. I know that.

But my personal brand is awareness.

Let’s evolve offline like we flow with the changes on social media.

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