Hogan argues that Goffman’s dramaturgical theory can be applied to social media. She specifically focuses on the presentation of the self and argues that self-presentation can be split into performances, (which take place in situations) and artifacts (which take place in exhibitions). She argues that performance spaces include the place where actors interact with each other, for example, chat rooms. As Hogan argues, Goffman’s dramaturgical approach is a metaphorical technique used to explain how an individual presents an “idealized” rather than authentic version of him/herself. For example, the choice of artwork and photos displayed in one’s house is a form of impression management. Generally most people choose to display happy photos of themselves because they want to portray a certain image of themselves. As Hogan argues, in the front stage, we are trying to present an idealized version of the self according to a specific role. In the backstage, we do much of the real work necessary to keep up appearances. For example, the sales assistant at a retail store may appear friendly and happy to help a customer but when the customer leaves, she may go at the back of the store and complain about the difficult customer. Hogan argues that Facebook cannot be considered as a back stage because the fact that Facebook allows only friends or “friends of friends” to see specific content does not suggest that the content signifies a backstage to other possible content that is available for anyone to see. However, I argue that Facebook would be considered a front stage because, as Goffman stated, impressions are usually given and online, you have some control over how you present yourself and what information you want to disclose, thus the individual intentionally presents themself in a certain way.
Hogan, B 2010, ‘The Presentation of Self in the Age of Social Media: Distinguishing Performances and Exhibitions Online’, Bulletin of Science Technology & Society, vol.30, no.6, accessed 20 August 2012, http://bst.sagepub.com.ezproxy.uow.edu.au/content/30/6/377.full.pdf+html
