Abstract
The aim of the article is to study the identity construction in Ukrainian sector of Facebook social network through the prism of defense mechanism “overcompensation”. Psycholinguistic research methods, namely discourse analysis, the method of contextual and intuitive logical interpretation analysis are used in this empirical, inductive study. The study identified that the most desirable characteristics for an individual are hardline attitude, self-confidence, self-control, persistence, buoyancy, ambition for self-development and self-actualization, steadfastness, rebelliousness, adventurism, humanity, kindness. The Ukrainian social network users are strongly attracted by such gender roles as “real man” and “strong woman” as well as such situational social roles as “powerful man”, “rebel”, “learner”, “cynic”, “expert-adviser”, “nihilist”, “sage”, “leader”, “hedonist”. We argue that an individual who constructs his/her personal identity through the defense mechanism “overcompensation” has clearly demonstrated need for power, an individual is convinced of the moral righteousness of what he/she believes in. The need for power motivates an individual in quest for leadership. In this case, an individual is focused on charismatic leadership, that is, he/she positions himself/herself as a person who, by virtue of his/her personal abilities and qualities, is able to have a profound and extraordinary influence on the people around him/her. The preferable psychological types of leader are “hero leader”, “leader-standard”, “erudite leader”. The charismatic leadership is only an immanent orientation of consciousness toward a desired identity, no matter it is real or imagined, but this orientation certainly affects the real identity construction.
Highlights
IntroductionInterdisciplinary approach to the study of identity
I have just found 10,000 ways that won’t work (FB); persistence: The hardest thing is to start acting, everything else depends only on perseverance; Sometimes even the maximum of our capabilities is not enough, and we have to do what we previously considered beyond capacity of human beings (FB); buoyancy: I am an optimist
The Ukrainian social network users are strongly attracted by such gender roles as “real man” and “strong woman” as well as such situational social roles as “powerful man”, “rebel”, “learner”, “cynic”, “expert-adviser”, “nihilist”, “sage”, “leader”, “hedonist”
Summary
Interdisciplinary approach to the study of identity. The potential of mass communication technologies, social networks and the blogosphere for communicating with a wider audience inspires research studies, which focus on scientific understanding of modern communication processes from the perspective of the impact of innovative technology on the transformation of various social practices. Research interest in the relevant processes in the areas concerning Internet communication has been reflected in various fields of scientific knowledge, namely philology, psychology, sociology, cultural studies, philosophy, etc. The feasibility of integrating interdisciplinary viewpoints, research approaches and methods developed within the framework of long-established scientific disciplines has contributed to the emergence of a number of interdisciplinary studies (visual studies, digital studies, media studies, etc.). Experience of interdisciplinary research in the field of modern media and communications has proved the usefulness of the interdisciplinary approach to the study of identity
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