2: Communication and Self
By studying the different concepts in this chapter, you will learn that your background, upbringing, family, friends, and teachers have been an integral part of the journey informing who you are. You will also see that mass media, advertising, and social media platforms greatly influence our sense of self. As we progress through this chapter we will gain a better understanding of who we are through our communication with self and others.
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- 2.1: Introduction to Communication and Self
- Like many journeys in life, there are hills and valleys, or bumps in the road which can impact how quickly we get to our destination. But what influences how we see ourselves? How much of ourselves is a product of our own making and how much of it is constructed based on how others interact with us? Can societal forces influence our sense of self, and if so, how do we manage how we present ourselves to others? We will begin to answer these questions in this chapter as we explore the self.
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- 2.2: Understanding the Self—Who You Are
- Just as our perception of others affects how we communicate, so too does our perception or view of ourselves. But what influences how we see ourselves? How much of ourselves is a product of our own making and how much of it is constructed based on how others react to us? How do we present ourselves to others in ways that maintain our sense of self or challenge how others see us?
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- 2.3: Forming the Self
- Since it’s impossible to develop into adults by ourselves, how do others play a role in creating the self? Who has a significant part to play and what are the communication processes that impact this formation? This section will examine not just how family or friends contribute to who you become, but also how society contributes to this process.
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- 2.4: Communicating the Self
- When we communicate about ourselves does our communication play any part in developing who we are? In other words, how does our own communication play a part in how we perceive ourselves or how others see us? Does participating in social media impact our self-concept or self-esteem? Let’s consider these questions in this section.
Thumbnail: Woman in Mirror by Allen Sky y from Flickr – CC BY 2.0