Analysing Impression Management through Mediated Communication: A Linguistic and Thematic Study of Select Social Blogs

Analysing Impression Management through Mediated Communication: A Linguistic and Thematic Study of Select Social Blogs

Aamna Siddiqi and Darakhshan Zafar

Abstract

As human communication operates within the ambit of social dynamics, impression management becomes indispensable in constructing and managing identity. Every individual, consciously or unconsciously, is engaged in controlling how others perceive them. This article explores strategies for identity construction and perception management in mediated space in the digital age. The study focuses on select social blogs authored by writers for social causes or social organisations, and analyses them linguistically and thematically. It comprehensively examines the persuasive strategies these blogs employ to construct and represent desired identities. The findings reveal that communication through mediated space enables social awareness and amplifies marginalised voices through a thoughtful, succinct use of language.