Are We What We Show? The Role of Social Masks in Adolescence

By: Sofía Lodovichi 

Adolescence is a time of constant transformation, in which personal identity and social environments are constructed. 

In this context, it is common for adolescents to resort to emotional and behavioral camouflage strategies to cope with social demands. These strategies that we call "social masks" can be understood as representations that individuals adopt to hide emotions, insecurities, or traits of their true personality (Goffman, 1959). 

The concept of the social mask 

The sociologist Erving Goffman (1959) proposed the theory of symbolic interactionism, in which he compares social life to a theatrical performance: people act out different roles in front of various audiences. This theory allows us to understand how social masks are constructed to respond to external expectations, especially in contexts such as school, family, or peer groups. In adolescence, this dynamic intensifies due to the need for acceptance and belonging. 

Masks as mechanisms of defense and adaptation 

From a psychological point of view, masks can function as defense mechanisms, helping the adolescent cope with complex or emotionally demanding social situations (Freud, 1936/1961). For example, an insecure teenager may adopt an attitude of superiority or indifference to avoid being hurt. According to Carl Rogers (1959), when there is a prolonged incongruence between the real self and the ideal self, between what one is and what one shows, problems of self-esteem, anxiety, and identity confusion can arise. 

The influence of social media 

The current digital context has amplified the use of social masks. Social media allows for the construction and maintenance of carefully edited identities, reinforcing the pressure to project an idealized image. This can intensify internal dissonance, as teenagers are forced to maintain a public narrative that does not always align with their personal experience. It is noted that this discrepancy can negatively affect the mental health of young people.

Conclusion 

Social masks play an adaptive role in adolescence, but their excessive or prolonged use can hinder the development of an authentic identity. Understanding the phenomenon from a multidisciplinary perspective allows not only for the recognition of its function but also for the pursuit of genuine self-expression. 

Bibliography 

Altuna, B. (2009). El individuo y sus máscaras. Ideas y Valores. Universidad Nacional de Colombia. https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/idval/article/view/36475/38396 

Bayonas, J. (n.d.). La máscara social: ¿Adaptación o pérdida de identidad? https://jordibayonas.com/post/la-mascara-social-adaptacion-o-perdida-de-identidad/amp/ 

Freud, A. (1961). The ego and the mechanisms of defence. International Universities Press. (Original work published in 1936) 

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Anchor Books.