The selfie (and ussie) as identity in the classroom

This activity uses Goffman’s impression management theory to gain insight into the self-presentation on several social media platforms. Hogan’s (2010) distinction between performances and exhibitions and boyd’s (2006) context collapse are used as course concepts to apply throughout the class activity. Students create selfies in preparation of the class activity and create new selfies during the class activity. The creation of selfies paired with discussion questions of course concepts allows students to apply real identity presentations to academic research. Students learn how to apply Goffman’s impression management theory to a digital context, the distinction between a performance and exhibition, the role of online audiences, and how the technological affordances and culture of each platform impact identity impression. Variations of the activity are discussed in relation to different types of communication studies classes. Observations and advice are also included to provide insight to instructors.