What to Tell About Me? Self-Presentation in Online Communities

  • Authors:
  • Eva Schwämmlein;Katrin Wodzicki

  • Affiliations:
  • Knowledge Media Research Center, Tübingen, Germany;Knowledge Media Research Center, Tübingen, Germany

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

This paper investigates how the type of community and personal goals affect self-presentation. In 3 online studies, we simulated the registration process in online communities, presenting either a common-bond or a common-identity community. Study 1 confirmed that members of the common-bond community presented themselves in an individualizing manner, while members of the common-identity community focused on characteristics shared among members of the community. Study 2 investigated underlying processes, showing that the goal to get in contact with other members was less salient in the common-identity than in the common-bond community. Study 3 demonstrated that community members actively manage their self-presentation in accordance with personal goals. Based on these findings, we discuss implications for research and profile design. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.