IDENTITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: AN INVESTIGATION OF STUDENTS’ SELF-PRESENTATION ON INSTAGRAM AND SNAPCHAT

Abstract

Erving Goffman’s theory of self-presentation has revealed that identity is not fixed, but rather is a performance. Goffman’s dramaturgical analysis of social interaction and identity presentation has long been examined in the physical world, but identity is increasingly constructed in the digital landscape. This study aims to investigate how Princeton University undergraduate students present themselves on Instagram and Snapchat, two prominent social media platforms emphasizing the visual. A series of interviews were conducted in order to collect data and understand how individuals present themselves and manage impressions on Instagram and Snapchat. The data is then compared across the two platforms and across subjects. The research revealed distinct differences for identity performance on Instagram and Snapchat, with different kinds of content being acceptable to post/perform on one platform but not the other.