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4. To what extent does Impression Management affect our mental health and well-being?

Khalid Poltone

Impression management has become an integral part of our social lives in the age of social media. We often find ourselves striving to create and maintain a particular image online that we believe will be accepted and appreciated by others. However, the extent to which impression management affects our mental health and well-being is a topic of much debate and discussion.

On the one hand, it can be argued that impression management can be beneficial for our mental health and well-being. By presenting a positive image of ourselves, we may receive affirmation and validation from others, which can boost our self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. This, in turn, can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.

Additionally, impression management can help us to project a sense of control and agency in our lives. By carefully curating our online persona, we may feel that we are taking an active role in shaping how others perceive us. This can be particularly empowering for individuals who may feel powerless in other aspects of their lives.

However, there are also many ways in which impression management can have negative effects on our mental health and well-being. One of the primary ways in which this occurs is through the creation of an inauthentic or false sense of self. When we engage in impression management, we may feel pressure to present an image of ourselves that is not entirely true to who we are. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety, as we struggle to maintain a facade that is incongruent with our true selves.

Additionally, impression management can lead to social comparison and feelings of inadequacy. When we constantly compare ourselves to others and strive to live up to unrealistic standards, we may find ourselves feeling anxious, depressed, or even hopeless. This can be particularly true for individuals who are highly invested in their online persona and regard it as an essential part of their identity.

Overall, it is clear that impression management has both positive and negative effects on our mental health and well-being. While it can be empowering and validating, it can also lead to feelings of inauthenticity, social comparison, and stress. As such, it is important for individuals to engage in impression management in a way that feels true to themselves and their values, rather than simply trying to conform to external expectations. By doing so, we can cultivate a sense of authenticity and self-acceptance that can serve as a strong foundation for our mental health and well-being.