An Examination of Impression Management in Celebrity Influencer’s Instagram Stories

<p dir="ltr">This research paper examines the role and effectiveness of ephemeral content, particularly Instagram Stories, as a communicative method for impression management on social media. The paper begins with an introduction to the evolution of social media content and the influence of platform mechanics on users' self-presentation. Drawing from Erving Goffman's (1959) theory of impression management, this paper establishes the relevance of self-presentation in the digital era, explicitly focusing on Instagram Stories. The primary research focuses on using Instagram Stories by Instagram’s top 10 most followed accounts to understand how celebrities manage their digital identities. This ties in with the literature review that examines various aspects of self-presentation on Instagram, including the motivations behind posting selfies, the different types of self-presentation employed by users, and the impact of brand symbolism in shaping online identities. The paper also discusses the gratifications and benefits of self-disclosure on social media, highlighting the significance of trust and immediacy in engaging with ephemeral content. The research delves into celebrity Instagram Stories and examines the perceived authenticity presented through self-promotion. Overall, the paper contributes to understanding impression management in the digital age and sheds light on the unique communicative potential of ephemeral content on social media platforms.</p><p dir="ltr">Keywords: Ephemeral content, Instagram, Impression management, Self-presentation, Celebrities</p>