The Authentic Self
PSY 362: Social Psychology and Cultural Applications
The Social Self
The idea of our social self is complex and ever-evolving. Self-perception, self-
discrepancy, self-expansion, and self-presentation are all included. We get insight into who we
are via our behavior and the opinions of others (self-perception) (Heinzen & Goodfriend, 2022).
Others' opinions have the power to shape our own goals (self-discrepancy) (Heinzen &
Goodfriend, 2022). Our connections, which are very intimate and distinct, are important for our
personal development because they provide fresh perspectives and broaden our views (self-
expansion) (Heinzen & Goodfriend, 2022). We are flexible in how we behave, changing how we
show ourselves to other persons and circumstances (Heinzen & Goodfriend, 2022). These
components are dynamic, therefore our social selves are always changing. The individuals in my
life have greatly influenced who I am now.
Influences on My Social Self and Behaviors
, Religion and culture have a big impact on who we are and how we behave. Family,
friends, and coworkers have all influenced my religion and helped to form me as a Christian. My
views have been strengthened by being surrounded by like-minded people, and I have been able
to develop expectations for both myself and other people thanks to my religious role models.
Treating others with kindness and love and kindly holding myself and them accountable for my
wrongdoings are examples of this. Religion and culture have a significant and long-lasting
impact on my social identity.
Social Media and Social Self
According to Zheng et al. (2020), social media is a place where individuals try to restrict
humiliating situations to close friends and frequently exhibit their best selves. In an effort to
PSY 362: Social Psychology and Cultural Applications
The Social Self
The idea of our social self is complex and ever-evolving. Self-perception, self-
discrepancy, self-expansion, and self-presentation are all included. We get insight into who we
are via our behavior and the opinions of others (self-perception) (Heinzen & Goodfriend, 2022).
Others' opinions have the power to shape our own goals (self-discrepancy) (Heinzen &
Goodfriend, 2022). Our connections, which are very intimate and distinct, are important for our
personal development because they provide fresh perspectives and broaden our views (self-
expansion) (Heinzen & Goodfriend, 2022). We are flexible in how we behave, changing how we
show ourselves to other persons and circumstances (Heinzen & Goodfriend, 2022). These
components are dynamic, therefore our social selves are always changing. The individuals in my
life have greatly influenced who I am now.
Influences on My Social Self and Behaviors
, Religion and culture have a big impact on who we are and how we behave. Family,
friends, and coworkers have all influenced my religion and helped to form me as a Christian. My
views have been strengthened by being surrounded by like-minded people, and I have been able
to develop expectations for both myself and other people thanks to my religious role models.
Treating others with kindness and love and kindly holding myself and them accountable for my
wrongdoings are examples of this. Religion and culture have a significant and long-lasting
impact on my social identity.
Social Media and Social Self
According to Zheng et al. (2020), social media is a place where individuals try to restrict
humiliating situations to close friends and frequently exhibit their best selves. In an effort to
