Discussion Questions
Chapter 2: Communicating Identity: The Social Self
1. How do social media affect our self-presentation? What is most/least important when putting our
identities out for everyone to see?
2. Social identity theory explains how we develop and maintain our identity. In what ways do we allow
others to influence our actions? Who benefits from this behavior? Why is the process of developing our
identities a problem/challenge?
3. Which of the four frames (or layers) most central to your theory of self? What interactions do you
have to understand their importance?
4. Think about a personal issue you had with someone. What was the type of relationship? Did you do
any facework? If so, what identity management techniques did you employ? How did the issue disrupt
your relationship? How about your relationship with others? Why do you think you or other people
were influenced by the interaction? Would you change your behaviors in similar situations now?