Public and private presentations of the self and employment seeking

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Christine S. Calabria (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Shelly Brown-Jeffy

Abstract: Facebook has become a mainstay in today's society and a new venue for employers to research their candidates. Using the theories of Erving Goffman and advice from employment etiquette guides, this exploratory study examines how the presentation of self on social networking sites. 400 Facebook profiles of current university students were examined by analyzing 17 visual presentations of self and 10 written presentations of self. Results indicated that females, African Americans, and younger college students are more likely to present negative written presentations of self, whereas males are more likely to present negative visual presentations of self. If a potential employer were to examine the applicants profile on a social networking site these presentations could affect ones chances of getting a job. The results warn that students should be aware of the way they present themselves on Facebook and could be visible to, or influence, those who are not part of their normative facework.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
Employment, Facebook, Goffman, Self presentation, Sociology
Subjects
Facebook (Firm)
Online social networks $v Case studies
Information technology $x Social aspects
Facebook (Electronic resource)
Self-presentation

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