The theory is known as: ‘Presentation of Self’ introduced by Erving Goffman which is a popular thinking within the symbolic-interaction perspective called the dramaturgical approach (sometimes referred to as dramaturgical analysis). The dramaturgical analysis is defined as the study of social interaction in terms of theatrical performance.

Presentation of Self: Interaction creates us to take on the role of an actor performing on stage. We perform differently based on the situation and desired impression of self to others. We have “backstage” and “frontstage” lives.

• Identity: ”Backstage” is how we behave knowing there is no one watching us. We can be ourselves and don’t have to act. “Frontstage” is how we behave for our audience and will vary depending on which situation we are in. i.e: in the classroom, work, etc.
• Impression Management: According to Goffman – we have a desire to present ourselves to others in certain ways by manipulating situations and impressions of us while on the front stage. (Clothes, bragging, etc).
• Creating Identities: During Goffman’s time these messages were all sent via person-person interactions, however now we have the ability to perform different plays to different audiences at the same time with social media.
• How does this apply via social media? With social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram intensifying the desire to maintain a self-image and display that image to other people. We may think of social media as separate stages with different audiences, it is common for these performances we stage to be viewed by multiple. For example, Facebook allows us to manage self-presentation, and maybe more effectively than with in-person communication as we get to choose what information people see.