What does 'the looking glass self' imply?

The concept of 'the looking glass self,' introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley, emphasizes that an individual's self-concept is shaped significantly by how they believe others perceive them. This idea suggests that people form their self-identity based on the reflection of themselves from the viewpoints of others, much like how one sees an image in a mirror.

In this process, individuals gauge their own worth and qualities through three key components: how they imagine they appear to others, how they think others judge them based on that appearance, and how they feel about these judgments. Over time, these perceptions can deeply influence an individual's self-esteem and sense of identity, showcasing the powerful role that social interactions play in the formation of self-concept.

This understanding highlights the social nature of the self in sociology—underscoring how external social feedback is integral to personal identity development, as opposed to solely focusing on internal emotions, individual life experiences, or personal achievements. The concept reveals the interconnectedness of society and self, reinforcing the importance of social feedback in self-perception.