Looking-Glass Theory (Intrapersonal Communication; Self-Concept)

Summary

The video discusses the Looking-Glass Self theory by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, which posits that our self-concept is shaped by how we perceive others see us. It outlines three key elements: our imagined appearance to others, their perceived judgment, and our emotional response to that judgment. This theory connects to Symbolic Interactionism, emphasizing that self-image is formed through social interactions. The video highlights how distorted reflections from various sources, especially social media, can influence self-perception, and concludes with a reminder from Jenny Joseph's poem 'Warning' about embracing authenticity at any age.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Red Hat Society, founded in 1998, encourages women over 50 to embrace individuality and self-expression.
• 😀 The society is inspired by Jenny Joseph's poem 'Warning,' which promotes living authentically regardless of societal expectations.
• 😀 Cooley's Looking-Glass Self theory explains how our self-image is influenced by our perceptions of how others see us.
• 😀 The theory includes three elements: how we believe we appear to others, how we think they judge us, and how we feel about their judgments.
• 😀 The Looking-Glass Self is circular; our perceptions and behaviors shape and are shaped by how we think others perceive us.
• 😀 Symbolic Interactionism suggests that our self-concept develops through interactions using symbols such as words and gestures.
• 😀 Different people reflect different images back to us, impacting our self-perception in various ways.
• 😀 Not all feedback is equally influential; significant individuals in our lives often have a greater impact on our self-view.
• 😀 Social media can distort self-perception through curated images, leading to unrealistic comparisons and standards.
• 😀 Embracing authenticity at any age is vital, as highlighted in the concluding lines of Joseph's poem, encouraging self-acceptance.

Q & A

What is the Red Hat Society and what inspired its founding?

The Red Hat Society, founded in 1998 for women over 50, is inspired by Jenny Joseph's poem 'Warning,' which encourages women to embrace individuality and not be constrained by societal expectations.

What is the Looking-Glass Self theory proposed by Charles Horton Cooley?

The Looking-Glass Self theory posits that individuals develop their self-concept based on how they believe others perceive and judge them, involving three key elements: imagined appearance to others, imagined judgments from others, and feelings about those judgments.

How does the Looking-Glass Self impact self-image?

Self-image is influenced by perceived views from others, meaning that individuals may adjust their behavior to align with how they think others see them, creating a feedback loop of self-perception.

What is Symbolic Interactionism and how does it relate to the Looking-Glass Self?

Symbolic Interactionism is a theory that asserts our self-concept is created through interactions with others using symbols. It relates to the Looking-Glass Self by highlighting how these interactions shape our self-image and understanding of society.

Why is it important to consider the credibility and frequency of feedback from others?

The credibility and frequency of feedback are important because they determine how significantly these perceptions influence an individual's self-view; consistent and credible messages are more likely to be internalized.

What role does social media play in shaping self-perception according to the transcript?

Social media shapes self-perception by allowing individuals to curate their identities, often presenting idealized versions of themselves, which can lead to distorted self-images and unhealthy social comparisons.

What are the potential negative impacts of social comparison mentioned in the script?

Social comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and discontent as individuals often compare their true selves to the curated, idealized representations of others.

How can awareness of the Looking-Glass Self theory mitigate its effects?

Being aware of the Looking-Glass Self theory can help individuals recognize that their perceptions may be distorted, allowing them to focus on authentic self-acceptance rather than solely on others' judgments.

What is meant by 'multiple looking-glasses' in the context of the theory?

'Multiple looking-glasses' refers to the idea that different people reflect different images back to us, leading to varied perceptions of self based on the feedback from diverse individuals in our lives.

How does Jenny Joseph's poem encourage individuals regarding their identity?

Jenny Joseph's poem encourages individuals, particularly women, to embrace their true selves and express their identities authentically, regardless of age or societal expectations.