In the interpretation stage, you will determine the larger meanings of the patterns you have analyzed. The most difficult stage in criticism, interpretation demands an answer to the questions “So what?” and “What does all this mean?”

For example, is there social pressure to present ourselves in the best way possible in social media photos, videos, and texts, thus creating an inaccurate public presentation of our lives? (Or think about it this way: Are we presenting ourselves in the same way that a business might present itself on social media? Should we treat our own lives like a business communication?)

Do we overshare in social media, revealing too much of ourselves to people who really aren’t close friends, in the traditional sense? Are we being pathetic in constantly seeking approval by collecting “Likes” for our pictures and posts? Is social media use leaving us feeling more alienated, alone, and depressed?