PositionThe “real” self cannot be realized through social media, nor is it an illusion. An individual's actions performed through communicative use of social media do not accurately depict the nature of the self due to internal and external limitations. DefinitionsTo properly evaluate and support the contention that social media does not influence the self, it is important to develop a basic definition of the following key terms. Social media is an umbrella term that defines the various activities that integrate technology, social interaction, and the construction of words, images, video, and audio (Kagan 2008). It includes all online communication channels dedicated to community contribution, content sharing and collaboration (Wigmore 2012). In simple terms, it is stated that social media as a whole has conversations with people online. These conversations involve the use of:⁃ Blogs, micro-blogs (over 200 million blogs currently active.)⁃ Online chat (now integrated into social networks and messaging forums.)⁃ RSS, widgets (39% of online users subscribe to a feed.)⁃ Social networks, social bookmarks (57% of users have joined a social network.)⁃ Message boards, forums⁃ Podcasts (iTunes introduces the ability to upload original content).⁃ Sites video sharing (includes more than 65,000 videos posted daily.)⁃ Photo sharing sites (55% of individuals have uploaded photos to a website.)⁃ Virtual worlds (platforms such as Second Life have more than 1 .5 million residents.)⁃ Wikis (there are currently nearly 4 million articles on the web.)The use of social media has become a fundamental element in the way we communicate and is only growing with it.... .. middle of paper ......pt because it specifies that one retains one's true self rather than the coherent self-concept; what is wrong. It is impossible to have an unchanging fundamental substance and have the same consistent identity at all stages of our lives. This evidence supporting the invalidity of this argument lies in the explanation of the preceding concepts. Conclusion “To find yourself, think for yourself. » - Socrates. You can go a whole life without being able to fully realize yourself. This is why many social communities avoid the influence of technology and focus on finding their ideal self using spiritual rituals. (For example, Buddhist communities use the art of meditation to find themselves). Social media is an effective tool that advances the cognitive development of individuals, but it cannot be responsible for the sole realization of their true identity..