Social Chameleons

CATEGORY: SOCIAL

Why:

Noticing how we change in different situations helps us understand social dynamics and find where we feel most authentically ourselves.

Warm-Up:

Think of two situations in which you act very differently. Say, a meal with a parent or caregiver vs hanging out with friends. What changes about you in each situation?

Exploration:

Just like a chameleon can change color to fit in, we are always adapting to the people around us. Noticing how we adapt, and starting to decide if we want to adapt, can give us more awareness and control of our lives. Think about those two different situations you described. In each one, which parts of yourself do you keep hidden, and which parts do you focus on? In which situations in your life do you feel most authentically "you"?

Additional Resources

See this template from Argonaut as a tool to facilitate conversation, inviting students to think of two groups that bring out different sides of them. Students can each complete a personal version of this, and then be invited (never required) to share this with peers.