In the posting to the Discussion Board for topic seven, use your own words to define the three central terms in Chapter Three: Self-concept, self-esteem and self-image. Consider examples of how these terms apply to you. What are some of the concrete examples in which you can apply these terms, especially in light of the way Seiler and Beall outline three components of self in terms of the physical, social, and psychological dimensions.

The Web links for this discussion draw on the theory of self presentation that was developed by Erving Goffman. As you reflect on how you present yourself, weigh the strategies that you use for creating a positive impression as you present yourself to others. This may also relate very much to how well we are able to manage communication apprehension in order to present a sense of self-confidence.

As you wrap up thinking about the relationship between your self-concept and communication, enter the discussion in the Discussion Board for Topic 8. There are three interrelated questions to address:

• In your dealings with other people, what kind of image of yourself do you choose to present? As you answer this part of the topic, think about the kind of image that you presented to the rest of the class during our first class meeting.
• How was the image you presented affected by your experience of self-fulfilling prophecies, and did you use any of the strategies of impression management?
• Research has demonstrated meeting strangers is one of the most stressful types of interpersonal encounters that many of us experience. Reflect on your level of apprehension. Examine how our interactions online may have affected your level of apprehension.

To answer these questions, use the key terms from the theories of communication that are highlighted above. Additional terms to use might include confidence, self-enhancement tactics, and other-enhancement tactics.

Topic Nine invites your reflections on some of the issues that Seiler and Beall raise about culture and gender in relationship to how we develop a self-concept.

For the posting to this topic, answer one of the following questions as it relates to your experience?

1. How does your identification with a culture shape your self-concept? In addressing this question, describe your culture and how you think its beliefs, norms and institutions have affected how you define yourself.

2. Have you ever been taken out of your culture in ways that resulted in the type of cultural conflict that Seiler and Beall describe on page 72? How did you deal with this conflict? What kinds of changes did you make?

3. How important is gender as a component of your self-concept? How has your gender role been shaped through factors such as gender expectations, cultural values about gender, and role expectations?