In psychological terms, if you care alot about what other people think you're a high self-monitor. If you care a little what other people think (or not at all), then you're a low self-monitor. Maybe you're in the middle, practicing moderation, which means you go with the flow. That is, you are comfortable balancing circumstances and other people's values. You've found the balance between high and low self-monitoring.
To find out where you are on the self-monitoring scale, take this self-monitoring assessment quiz. It can be found in The Complete Idiot's Guide to Psychology, by Joni Johnston.
Self-Monitoring Assessment Quiz
1 = Never
2 = Rarely
3 = Sometimes
4 = Often
5 = Almost Always
___ I have always been good at acting games like Charades or Taboo.
___ It is important to me that my friends be attractive and socially polished.
___ I would rather have a lot of variety in my social acquaintances than just a few close friends.
___ People I am with don't always know how I'm really feeling.
___ If I am not enjoying myself at a party, I usually leave when courtesy permits.
___ When I am not sure how to act in a certain situation, I look to others for clues.
___ I generally feel that people whom I date are a reflection on me.
___ I can be a chameleon with different groups of people.
___ I would change my attitudes or beliefs to please someone else.
___ I like to know what my friends think of certain books, movies, or music.
Add up your scores.
35 or over: High Self-Monitors
Your image is everything; you're very aware of how you appear to others. You can quickly shift gears to please the people around you, and you're good at schmoozing. You like the spotlight. You network well, and you're basically a social star! Many casual acquaintances is more your style than a few close friends (as opposed to low self-monitors).
20-34: Middle Self-Monitors
Balance is key, in your eyes. You can rebel but you also excel at fitting in; it depends on the situation. You can make a good impression on others and stay true to your values at the same time. You're right in the middle of low and high self-monitors.
0-20: Low Self-Monitors
You do your own thing and don't care what's trendy. You think independently and don't let yourself get pushed around. You're direct and honest, and not afraid to share your opinion. You have few – but close – friends. The spur of the moment doesn't hold much interest for you, and you hold tight to your values and beliefs. You're a low self-monitor.
Basically, self-monitoring is defined as "the degree to which we vary our self-presentation to match the people we're with." The more you vary your personality, conversation, and social presence to suit the people you're with, the higher you are on the self-monitoring scale.
If you found High or Low Self-Monitors interesting, try:
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