‘SAY SOMETHING MEANINGFUL ABOUT YOURSELF’: DISTINCT SELFPRESENTATION ON COUCHSURFING

Abstract

With the emergence of social media platforms, the phenomenon of self-presentation gained new setting in which it can be manifested, and that has attracted scholars from different fields. Scientists have largely applied Goffman’s impression management theoretical framework in analysing different aspects of self-presentation on social media and research has mainly stayed within the realm of most popular social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram. Self-presentation in Couchsurfing has not been in the focus of researchers, that is why this research investigates that phenomena with the application of Goffman's impression management theory. I have conducted qualitative content analysis and thematical analysis to investigate how Couchsurfing users present themselves on the platform. The research has found that users, when self-presenting in the profiles, disclose their personality by presenting meaningful information while also balancing the disclosure of private personal information; in the private performances of couch requests users prepare for the performance beforehand so they can reveal information that would be appealing and appropriate to the host. In both performances, audience is greatly considered.