The+Dissolution+of+Self+by+Kenneth+Gergen

Gergen Summary Gergen’s main point is that our notion of the individual in terms of identity/individualism is actually a result of the social saturation. The population with which we acclimate ourselves is what shapes our sense of self by introducing to us the values that we later reflect as a result of this initiation. Gergen argues that because of this process of socialization, we do not, in fact, have an “actual self,” rather a self that reflects our experiences in society. Technology has been contributing to this phenomenon (also known as multiphrenia) by broadening our horizons to primary groups and spheres of influence, and as technology progresses, we will be further and further away from having an actual self.

By Sara, James, Elle