Identity Construction on Social Networks Through the Prism of Defense Mechanism “Overcompensation”

Abstract

The aim of the article is to study the identity construction in Ukrainian sector of Facebook social network through the prism of defense mechanism “overcompensation”. Psycholinguistic research methods, namely discourse analysis, the method of contextual and intuitive logical interpretation analysis are used in this empirical, inductive study. The study identified that the most desirable characteristics for an individual are hardline attitude, self-confidence, self-control, persistence, buoyancy, ambition for self-development and self-actualization, steadfastness, rebelliousness, adventurism, humanity, kindness. The Ukrainian social network users are strongly attracted by such gender roles as “real man” and “strong woman” as well as such situational social roles as “powerful man”, “rebel”, “learner”, “cynic”, “expert-adviser”, “nihilist”, “sage”, “leader”, “hedonist”. We argue that an individual who constructs his/her personal identity through the defense mechanism “overcompensation” has clearly demonstrated need for power, an individual is convinced of the moral righteousness of what he/she believes in. The need for power motivates an individual in quest for leadership. In this case, an individual is focused on charismatic leadership, that is, he/she positions himself/herself as a person who, by virtue of his/her personal abilities and qualities, is able to have a profound and extraordinary influence on the people around him/her. The preferable psychological types of leader are “hero leader”, “leader-standard”, “erudite leader”. The charismatic leadership is only an immanent orientation of consciousness toward a desired identity, no matter it is real or imagined, but this orientation certainly affects the real identity construction.