Identity Paper

Through your life, we increase our use of communication with peers, elders, and in society. Communication essentially determines who we are. According to Alberts, Nakayama, and Martin (2012), Communication is “a transactional process in which people generate meaning through the exchange of verbal and nonverbal messages in specific contexts, influenced by individual and societal forces embedded in culture. (p.9).” This can be shown through the four characteristics of identity. Furthermore, it can be seen how communication has shaped our identity and how one performs their identity. Through communication, whether good or bad, you determine your identity. The four characteristics of identity include reflected appraisals, social comparison, self-fulfilling prophecy and self-concept. The first of these is reflected appraisals. This is the theory in that we see ourselves the way that others see us. Alberts, et al. (2012). Personally, this theory is a great influence in my life, I think that others perception of you truly influences your self-image. Due to the things others have told me, I see myself as generous and caring. Another way that communication affects our identity is through social comparisons. This is the method in which you evaluate your opinions and desires by comparing them to others. Alberts, et al. (2012). I often find myself rationalizing choices that I make, such as “well since so and so did this, I can to.” etc. another characteristic of identity is self-concept. This is a theory in which your inside affects what you show outside. Alberts, et al. (2012). An example of this in my life would be that if I’m wearing an outfit that makes me feel confident, that is how I will portray my behaviors. Self-concept relates to self-esteem, so for example, if you do not have a lot of self-esteem that will show through your behavior on the outside. Communication has shaped my identity in 3 main ways. These include, but are not limited to; looking-glass self,