Auto-representation

Auto-representation is the process by which an individual or group presents themselves, their values, beliefs, and identity to an audience. This involves actively constructing and projecting an image, using various mediums like language, actions, artifacts, and digital platforms. It's a form of self-expression and communication, often shaped by internal desires, societal expectations, and strategic goals. The goal can range from self-promotion to the creation of a specific narrative or even the deliberate manipulation of perception. This is a constant and dynamic process that takes place within the individual or group's understanding of themselves.

Auto-representation meaning with examples

• A musician carefully curates their social media profile, choosing specific photos, videos, and captions to portray a certain artistic persona and attract a specific fan base. This controlled image forms their auto-representation in the digital sphere, creating a brand.
• A political activist, utilizing specific rhetoric, visual aids, and performance in demonstrations, projects an auto-representation of strength, solidarity, and defiance against perceived injustices, aiming to mobilize support and create social change.
• A company presents an image through its website, advertising, and public relations, emphasizing corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability as its core values; this auto-representation is aimed at attracting customers and investors.
• An individual, while writing a memoir, meticulously chooses specific memories, anecdotes, and details of their life to construct a particular narrative about themselves for the readers, creating a strong and memorable auto-representation.