The Looking Glass Self (Cooley)

The Looking Glass Self, developed by Charles Cooley, is a social concept suggesting that our self-image is shaped by how we believe others perceive us. Essentially, we imagine how others see us, interpret their reactions, and then incorporate this into our sense of self. For example, if we think someone sees us as kind and capable, we may start to see ourselves that way. This process is ongoing, as our self-concept evolves based on these social reflections. It highlights the importance of social interactions in forming our identity and self-esteem.