by Elli Coppard
Abstract
This paper explores the concept of online identity and its formation across popular Social Networking Sites (SNS). With the aid of several academic texts, the concepts and ideas concerning online identity will be addressed and developed further. Concepts that will be addressed include the likes of identity construction, anonymity, the World Wide Web, and women’s identities online. The construction of one’s identity takes on many differing forms including selfies, blogging, and usernames. Through the exploration of academia, the methods at which the manufacturing of an identity impacts a person’s live will be brought to light. Furthermore, the impact these types of self-expression are having on technology and communication in today’s social context.
Keywords: Social Networking Sites, Identity, Anonymity, Self-expression, Selfies, Online Communities, Internet, Technology, Communication
The construction of online identity is a relatively novel concept that has been at the forefront of academic writing within the field for the last decade. The ability to present a constructed representation of oneself online allows for users to portray an idealized version of themselves. Furthermore, the inclusivity of popularized Social Networking Sites (SNS), formerly seen through Myspace and now exercised through the likes of Facebook and Instagram, have provided users to successfully facilitate interactions between friends, strangers, and colleagues previously unheard of.
Through understanding and addressing key concepts within the various scholarly texts, the acceptance and opportunities resulting from these online constructions is transparent across all articles. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how SNS, most notably Facebook and Instagram along with progressions in the World Wide Web have enabled users to construct their identities online and communicate effectively with fellow users in a collected, unified, and accepting medium.
Scholarly Review
In Donath’s (1999) text which addresses how identity is established in an online community, the idea of deception comes into play. Identity can be exhibited through the means of an account name or basic ID, as well as through voice and language. (Donath, 1999). Similarly, identity can be achieved through the means of gaming and role playing, as discussed in Turkle’s (1997) text. Both texts emphasize the ease acquired from constructing your own
identity online. Turkle explains, “the degree to which [you] bring the game into [your] real life is [your] choice.” (Turkle, 1997, p. 162). Likewise, Donath explains how online forums have enabled people to construct their identity accordingly and ultimately explains how these constructions “are more subtle identity manipulations, similar to the adjustments in self-presentation we make in many real world situations.” (Donath, 1999). Donath and Turkle have outlined the ease and affordances that come from constructing an identity online. The level of involvement in the process is down to the user themselves, and the representation of their identity can be as overt as desired.
Before SNS were a platform for self-presentation and identity sculpting, sites such as Myspace and SimLife were the catalysts for self-exploration and construction. Prior to online identities being dispersed amongst accounts, Turkle (1997) looked at how identity can be constructed through Multi-User Domains. This was the beginning of users being able to access multiple domains online. Given the result of this progression it can be said that a “distributed self undermines many traditional notions of identity.” (Turkle, 1997, p. 74). As well as this, boyd (2007) suggests that identity can now be seen as a social process, one that is fluid and contingent on the situation. (p. 14). It can be said that social context bares relevance on how identity can be constructed and how your chosen SNS can affect the means at which you manufacture yourself online. Instagram encourages a more pictorial approach, whereas Facebook a mixture of pictorial and written expression. Therefore, your identity reflects the demands of the given platform of which it is operating within. Conclusively, this advancement has changed how users perceived themselves online. Progressing forward towards today’s context and popular SNS such as Facebook and Instagram have enabled users to “write themselves and their community into being.” (boyd, 2007, p. 2). Once more, the construction of one’s identity online is made easier through the advancements in technology, which has enabled users to not only actively participate in the construction of their online identities, but to present that construction across as many social platforms as they choose.
With increasing availability surrounding how to construct an online identity across popular SNS, the concept of anonymity is raised and its relevance within the oversaturated online world. Frith and Van Der Nagel (2015) illustrate the importance of anonymity in an online space where it is usually a free-for-all to be noticed. The text explores users need for anonymity and pseudonymity online, as they state, “real names can make people feel less safe and can inhibit behavior they engage in online.” (Frith & Van Der Nagel, 2015). The concept of the real identity is central to understanding this text. The attitudes and behaviours users engage in, usually within online chat rooms or forums, is reflexive of a user’s personality. The option to remain anonymous or operate under a pseudonym enables users to feel safe (Frith & Van Der Nagel, 2015). This text reinforces the idea that different identity practices are shaped by specific contexts of use. It also highlights the significance of pseudonymous and anonymous identities on popular SNS as it has allowed users to further explore themselves by allowing certain practices to commence, which otherwise could be deemed inappropriate or unacceptable.
Anonymity can present a sense of security for an online user. The virtual domains the internet provides for users holds no prejudices. The physical domain of the internet however has long been recognized in a simple bedroom analogy referenced within Hodkinson’s (2015) text. Firstly, there is said to be a strong link between the complexities and privacy of both a young person’s bedroom and that of their online identity. (Hodkinson, 2015). Hodkinson identifies this relationship as he explores the spatial analogy of a teenage bedroom as a means to conceptualise the intimacies of one’s identity online. (Hodkinson, 2015). Especially concerning the early online platforms such as Myspace and LiveJournal, the bedroom analogy was accurate in addressing the similarities as teenagers showcase their identities within the confines of their bedroom. Similarly, this construction of identity is transferred to an online medium through SNS. (Hodkinson, 2015). The bedroom analogy has transferred to other scholarly pieces such as Paecheter’s (2013) text which highlights that “online communication takes place within a ‘glass bedroom’: a place in which intimate conversation and exchanges occur…” (Paechter, 2013, p. 114). Within contemporary convergence, SNS are allowing those outside the bedroom to engage or not with what is going on inside (Paechter, C. 2013, p. 114). Ultimately, young people online are continual constructing their identities through the platforms disposable to them. Traditionally, these ties were seen as intimate and private as one’s sleeping quarters. Contemporarily, users are still constructing themselves online, but with a slightly more liberating acceptance of who is in their space.
Through the construction of an online identity, there comes into play a performative aspect to the process. Pearson (2009) highlights the importance performance plays within SNS. Similar to the bedroom analogy previously discussed, Pearson explains how SNS can be seen as performative spaces which create a kind of ‘accessible privacy’. A user can choose to open the door to a private or intimate aspect of their constructed identity (Pearson, E. 2009). The concept of play within SNS is once again referenced within Turkle’s (1997) text sharing that, “the possibilities the medium offers for projecting both conscious and unconscious aspects of the self encourages users to engage in such play.” (Turkle, 1997, p. 163). The freedom provided by such online platforms allows for users to construct their identity within their own limitations or freedoms. Online domains such as Reddit allows for anonymity to be readily exercised online, allowing users to engage in free thought and open communication with others. Furthermore, operating under complete or partial anonymity allows users to engage in positive interactions with other users whom share similar likes and attitudes. This is some ways users can uphold their chosen identity through the means of performance. Pearson explains, “online performance allows individuals to play with aspects of their presentations of self, and the relationship of those online selves to others without directly risking privacy.” (Pearson, E. 2009). The opportunity to operate under a chosen identity provides freedom for users to present themselves as they so wish. Users are able to communicate and interact with other users at their discretion and without fear of judgement or other ramifications. Correspondently, Frith and Van Der Nagel’s research stated that through SNS, the presentation of self was more fluid because people were freer to switch identities on a whim and construct a new identity through text. (Frith & Van Der Nagel, 2015) In essence, every online user is performing to some degree. Pearson has cast light on the ways in which users operate and uphold their identities online through performative behaviours. He finalizes with the notion that, “the audience and the performer are disembodied and electronically re-embodied through signs they choose to represent themselves.” (Pearson, 2009). Thus, the opportunities provided by SNS such as Facebook and Instagram have enabled users to construct their identities completely dependent on how much or how little they wish to display online.
The disparities between gender is an angle many scholars have written about as of late, especially concerning how women construct their identities online. Jimenez et al.’s (2015) text focuses on a 2014 study examining children aged 11-16 in three European countries with how they develop and present their online identities and their interactions with peers. (Jimenez, et al. 2015). The study revealed both genders placed importance on taking selfies and photos in the representation of their online identity. Regarding female adolescents, the study found a higher emphasis on sexualized imagery in the construction of their identities. Though when interviewed, it was found that “girls, instead, discuss the liberating, empowering feeling associated with selecting and controlling their online appearance.” (Jimenez, et al. 2015). In addition, Hawisher’s (2000) text explains how women view their identities online as an empowering concept. (Hawisher, 2000, p. 546). Analysing women’s involvement in how they choose to construct their identities showcases the differences and priorities amongst the genders. Hawisher’s (2000) text reflects on how women represent themselves visually on the web. Women typically choose to sexualize themselves in photos more so than men through the opportunities provided to them through popular SNS, most notably Instagram. This is another way SNS has enabled users to construct identities in ways previously unheard of. Instagram has provided opportunities for women to pictorially portray themselves and their online personas in a way which garners attention, followers, and financial rewards too. Women are now being represented through online advertising in ways that seem familiar but with visual immediacy of the web, it has forever changed the viewing experience like never before (Hawisher, 2000, p. 549).
It is clear that through technological developments to the World Wide Web and the emergence of platforms such as Instagram, the distribution of identity is increasingly apparent. With that in mind, Paechter’s (2013) text argues in favour for the inclusivity of social networking and the idea that identities are now collaboratively constructed (Paechter, 2013, p. 111). This text leads on from the notion that young adolescents mainly construct their identities pictorially, with the use of front facing cameras and the rise of the selfie. A selfie is cardinal to how you wish to construct your identity as it provides a means to visually present yourself online. The emergence of the selfies provides adolescents with the opportunity to manipulate and distort images of themselves to comply with their chosen online identity. These opportunities can be seen as a direct result of new technologies, making the manipulation of identity easier. These technologies have arisen from a perceived need and will continue to adapt by the users themselves to suit their purposes (Paechter, 2013, p. 112).
Through this, it can be understood that the process of constructing one’s online identity is a continual process for both men and women. A process which adapts in accordance to the technological developments in today’s virtual world. Particular concepts, however, such as sexuality and empowerment resonate more with women than men. Jimenez, et al.’s text prioritizes what it means for young adolescence to perceive their desired image online. Both Paechter and Hawisher’s texts elicit the ideas of technological immediacy and the continual changing landscape of the digital world, and the access it provides for uses to construct and distribute their online identities.
With the birth of Web 2.0 and the selection of popularized SNS, constructing one’s identity online has never been more accessible and fundamental to one’s development. Jimenez et al.’s (2015) text confirms the importance of online involvement stating, “constructing an autonomous identity is a fundamental task for adolescents and pre-adolescents.” Within the digital world, participation online tends to follow both cultural and linguistic lines (boyd, D. 2007, p. 5) , meaning the digital language and behaviours of users will continue to evolve as our culture responds to the continual progression in technology. As Turkle (1997) points out, “we are now a part of a culture of simulation.” (p. 78). In essence, our attitudes towards online identity has now become embedded in our daily lives and functioning’s as young people. It is known that users have benefitted greatly through performing in mediated spaces, such as those found in Web 2.0 and other SNS as explained in Pearson’s (2009) text. Furthermore, Hawisher (2000) explains “the web with its graphical interface makes possible … to represent one of our many selves more graphically to the rest of the online world.” (p. 546). Moreover, the media of all stripes have enabled the development of mediated publics, for which users can convene and construct themselves as they desire online. (boyd, D. 2007, p. 8). Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook provide opportunities for users to put out an identity which is fully mediated, constructed and maintained in accordance to the individuals own desires and intentions.
Conclusion
Through the analysis and understanding of the academic writings regarding online identity, the concepts of construction of one’s identity, anonymity, gender disparities, and the motivation to engage online have been addressed and understood. Constructing an online persona has never been more accessible and pertinent to a young person’s growth and
understanding of themselves as well as their interactions with others, both online and offline. The progression in popular SNS allows for users to engage with others across multiple platforms, as well as interact with others with the safety and security provided to them by anonymity. To understand how online identity is influencing users, conducting further research on this topic is recommend as it will provide stronger insight into the key concepts discussed throughout this paper.
References
boyd, D. (2007). Why Youth (Heart) Social Network Sites: The Role of Networked
Publics in Teenage Social Life. In D. Buckingham (Ed.), MacArthur Foundation Series on Digital Learning Youth, Identity, and Digital Media Volume. Cambridge, MA.: MIT Press. Retrieved from http://www.danah.org/paper/WhyYouthHeart.pdf
Donath, J. (1999). Identity and Deception in the Virtual Community. In P. Kollock, & M. A. Smith (Eds.), Communities in Cyberspace (pp.29-59. New York: Routledge.
Retrieved from http://smg.media.mit.edu/people/Judith/Identity/IdentityDeceoption.html
Pearson, E. (2009). All the World Wide Web’s a stage: The performance of identity in online social networks. First Monday. 14(3). Retrieved from http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/viewArticle/2162/2127
Turkle, S. (1997). Constructions and Reconstructions of Self in Virtual Reality. In S. Kiesler (Ed.), Culture of the Internet. Hilldale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Retrieved from
http://www.mit.edu/~sturkle/pdfsforstwebpage/ST_Construc%20and%20reconstruc%20of%20self.pdf
Turkle, S. (1997). Multiple Subjectivity and Virtual Community at the End of the Freudian Century. Sociology Inquiry, 67(1). Retrieved from
http://www.mit.edu/~sturkle/pdfsforstwebpage/ST_Multiple%20Subjectivity.pdf
Frith, J., and Van Der Nagel, E. (2015). Anonymity, pseudonymity, and the agency of online identity: Examining the social practices of r/Gonewild. First Monday, 20(3). Retrieved from http://www.ojphi.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/5615/4346
Hodkinson, P. (2015). Bedrooms and beyond: Youth, identity and privacy on social network sites. New Media and Society. doi:10.1177/1461444815454
Jiminez, E., Mascheroni, G., Vincent, J. (2015). “Girls are addicted to likes so they post semi-naked selfies” : Peer mediation, normativity and the construction of identity online. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 9(1), doi:10.5817/CP2015-1-5, doi:10.5817/CP2015-1-5
Hawisher, G.E. (2000). Constructing Our Identity through Online Images. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 43(6), pp. 544-552. Retrieved from
http://www.jstor.org/stable/40016832
Paechter, C. (2013). Young women online: collaboratively constructing identities. Pedagogy, Culture & Society, 21(1), pp. 111-127, doi:10.1080/14681366.2012.748684
2018 Elli Coppard. All rights reserved.
Hi Elli,
You have given a good overview of how social networking sites have been used to construct an online identity, and I particularly like your line “SNS such as Facebook and Instagram have enabled users to ‘write themselves and their community into being.’ (boyd, 2007, p. 2)”. This struck a chord with me. While I was researching for my paper I found that social media has been used to create a visual online community presence for atheists in countries where the rest of the community is very religious, as well as creating an online presence for persecuted religious minorities in countries where a different religion (or no religion) is the norm. However, the minority and persecuted status of these groups means that members use pseudonyms to interact with each other online to protect their offline identity. Your discussion of anonymity and its advantages is also relevant to my paper, particularly the feeling of safety it affords. Like you, I connected this with teenagers exploring their identity, and I also connected this with other benefits, such as freedom of expression and political dissent.
Hi SEndrez,
Thank you so much for reading my conference paper and providing feedback, I appreciate that greatly.
I found your overall comments very welcoming and you’ve actually given me a lot to think about. In particular, I liked how you brought religion into the discussion, as this is clearly something you touched upon in your paper, but something I definitely didn’t in mine, perhaps this would be something I would incorporate in my paper if I had the chance to. In terms of the anonymity and pseudonymity portion of my paper, I didn’t even think to reference religion in that either, as my approach was primarily looking at just young people online feeling safe. Perhaps I should have been more specific in the types of people that operate under a pseudonym or remain anonymous. This would have been useful as I could of referenced other religions and minority groups that have clearly benefitted from this online option.
I also liked your point about how these minority groups use the option of anonymity to feel a sense of security in not only their online identity, but also offline. I think that’s a really important point to make, as my paper is heavily concerned with the online world, it’s important to note that online interactions and behaviours often mimic that of reality interactions too.
You’ve definitely given me some things to consider and think about further, thank you for your feedback.
Hi Elli,
I’m glad you found my comment helpful in thinking about the different types of groups who might benefit from anonymity. By going beyond the benefits of anonymity, I think your paper more broadly discussed how young people use social networking sites to construct an online identity, and I like how you highlight how social networking platforms as well as technologies such as forward-facing phone cameras encourages different types of expression (pictorial or text-based). The gender similarities and differences in how and why teenagers pictorially express themselves online was also interesting, as I was not aware of this.
~ Sandra
Thanks for the feedback once more SEndresz (Sandra), I definitely wanted to get the message across concerning the technologies (most specifically the front-facing cameras) and how they’ve benefitted young people in the construction of their online identities. I’m glad you’ve picked up on that point and have agreed with it’s advancements in the digital world.
If I were to focus on a particular area of concern, I definitely would highlight the gender disparities between male and female, and how each gender expresses themselves online because like you said, not everyone is aware of this. I think it’s an interesting and important area to dive into as it can stir up debate amongst people. What do you think?
Hi Elli,
I think that would definitely be an interesting area to study further. Even though you discuss how technologies and platforms have influenced user behaviour, I wonder if traditional media has also influenced how women and girls pictorially represent themselves online. Perhaps these tools and technologies just allow women to mimic celebrities and models and the way they have been presented in print magazines, as well as mimicking how celebrities use social media to represent themselves.
~Sandra
Yes Sandra, I definitely think traditional media has also influenced young women pictorially represent themselves, both online and offline. Especially seen through advertisements, I think the celebrities and models that women (and men) are seeing can greatly influence their perception of beauty and standards within society and thus, influence their decisions to mimic that aesthetic. Of course the technologies in the digital realm are a lot more relevant, effective, accessible, and popular but that doesn’t deter from the potential of all the other technologies and platforms that are out there.
Do you think women are more prone to influence via these traditional and digital media platforms, as opposed to men? I would love to hear your thoughts on this.
Hey Elli!
Great paper I can see the similarities in our discussions, its great to read a new perspective and see how you explored the topic differently to myself.
The ideas you explores were really interesting and i especially enjoyed the discussion of deception and anonymity! This is something I would’ve liked to explore further in my own paper but ended up going another way so it was nice to read! We used the same reference for our research on anonymity and from reading your paper I feel we have similar views on the topic.
It would be interesting to have seen your ideas on the negatives of anonymity as well as the positive aspects, Do you feel as though the positives outweigh the negatives of this in terms of identity formation? Personally I think both are valid but that overall the positive exploration it allows is greater than the negative effects it may have (which can often be counteracted).
Overall a really great paper well done!
Hannah 🙂
Hi Hannah, thank you so much for taking the time to read my conference paper, I appreciate that greatly!
I’m glad you liked the topics I discussed and how a different perspective on the same issues can be addressed, especially regarding the anonymity. I do believe I touched upon the positive impacts of anonymity in my paper, I say how it can make people feel a sense of safety and security online, as well as allow them to engage in behaviour and interactions which may seem inappropriate in real life. I do agree that I didn’t directly talk about the negative impacts of anonymity which are of course centred around cyber bullying and hacking. I personally feel the positives outweigh the negatives in terms of what anonymity and pseudonymity can provide for an online issue.
Thanks again Hannah!
Hi Elli,
After reading the comment you left on my paper, I decided to read yours. It was quite interesting and the points you used to discuss identity online were interesting.
You mentioned that nowadays, people feel the need to create an online identity, whether or not they choose to use it to reflect their offline identity, a part of this offline identity (like in my paper, their creative identity), or an identity completely unattached to who they are in real life. I found this point interesting as this is something that has happened without us being aware of it or asking ourselves why this is. It is also interesting how maintaining these online identities has become something so important to us, to the point where in some cases it can become an obsession, so to speak.
Great paper, and it was interesting to read on the broader idea of identities in communities.
Hi Tikvah,
Thank you for taking the time to read my conference paper, that was very nice of you.
I’m glad you liked the concepts and ideas I discussed throughout, and how indeed relates very closely to your own conference paper too.
I definitely agree with your point regarding online identities becoming an obsession. I can’t speak for myself, but it definitely is a common occurrence for young and vulnerable people to prioritise their online identities over their real life ones and become so consumed in maintaining this online persona that it affects all other aspects in their lives. Do you think there is a way to educate teens on having a positive relationship with their online personas?
Hi Elli,
I really enjoyed reading your paper well done!
I can see several crossovers in our papers as they both discuss Hodkinson’s paper on the teenage bedroom analogy. You also discuss later on about how some young women present themselves on SNS. I found this really interesting as my paper explores sexting (men and women) and the further consequences. Whilst there are many ways to gain attention (and likes) online, I think sexting and exposing yourself to your peers is like a “last resort” to gain likes from peers. Do you think this is true? In high schools, many young teenagers seem to believe that they will “fit in” better with their peers if they resort to this kind of activity, without realising what damage it can actually do or what the aftermath can be (such as somebody taking the image and posting it on more SNS). Do you agree that these young teenagers within these high school communities don’t think about the consequences of this (or have some idea) before posting an image of themselves exposed? I’ve always found it really interesting (but also scary) that once you post something online, its out there forever and there is no going back.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Jack
Hi Jack,
Wow thank you so much! That’s so very kind of you, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my paper 🙂
Yes, many crossovers indeed. I found the bedroom analogy one of my favourite concepts to read on, as it was so relatable and groundbreaking at the time and even in today’s context I feel as though the bedroom analogy applies to some degree. Would you agree?
I think your point regarding sexting/exposing yourself as a ‘last resort’ is interesting, and I’m not entirely sure if I agree or not. I definitely think for a lot of people (particularly young and vulnerable teens) this idea of taking a raunchy picture and sexting someone you like is a last resort, however I think it has become so ingrained in our thinking that for a lot of people it seems like the appropriate route to go down. A lot of the time, people will just take a picture of themselves or send a dirty message because they think it’s the ‘way to do things’ when in reality it isn’t. I definitely agree with what you said how young people don’t consider the consequences of their actions and that their photos and messages will forever leave a digital footprint and can be brought up at any time. Perhaps the term ‘last resort’ isn’t the right word to describe it. I can definitely see your point entirely.
Thanks again Jack! 🙂
Hi Eli,
I loved the concept of online communication taking place within a ‘glass bedroom’. I think it is a perfect description of how many people use social media platforms. I found your comments around identity reflecting the demands of the given platform that is being used really interesting. It almost sounded similar to what happens in an election campaign when candidates are looking to appeal in a certain way to a particular audience. Your comments on pseudonyms and how they essential give people the confidence to engage in certain practices which otherwise could be deemed inappropriate or unacceptable was very interesting. Do you think the benefits of anonymity out weigh thre risks it can cause in terms of hate speech, bullying and criminal activities?
Hey Julian,
Thanks so much for reading my conference paper and providing feedback for me, much appreciated. Yeah I found the glass bedroom analogy really interesting and very relatable as often our online identities we construct can be as private and intimate of our own bedrooms.
Oh wow yes, that is very true actually. I’ve never considered comparing those two concepts before, and in fact, they do relate. Certainly it is true for candidates and for young people online. It’s all about manipulating your online persona to fit the mould of your chosen platform.
I definitely think the benefits that anonymity provides for users outweighs the cons it may provide for people. Of course, the risk of hacking, trolling, and illegal activities is automatically that much easier through remaining anonymous however, I do believe so many people have benefitted from remaining anonymous online. It provides minority groups or people who may be uncomfortable being themselves, to interact and communicate with others who share the same struggles and perspectives on themselves. I think that’s what is most important.
Do you think the pros outweigh the cons in terms of anonymity?
Hi Elli, I think it’s actually a tough call to make, but yes I do believe the pros outweigh the cons. As the expression goes ‘do we shut down an industry just because of a few bad apples’, and the answer is no we don’t. We educate people of the dangers instead to minimise the risk of being taken advantage of. There will always be bad apples, but anonymity allows for constructive debate on tough issues without the fear of reprisals. I think above all else, it increases a persons mental health and well being through being able to build online communities.
Hey Elli!
I really enjoyed reading your well written and thoughtful paper! I could see similarities between ours 🙂 Particularly I think we share the sentiment that anonymity is important and not something that people should be afraid of. I think that many people are guilty of instilling their own fear in others surrounding online anonymity. Do you think so?
I really agree with this statement by Firth & Van Der Nagel that you included:
“real names can make people feel less safe and can inhibit behavior they engage in online.”
Whenever I’m on Facebook, I feel a lot of the time that I am hyper aware that whatever I’m doing has my name attached to it. For example, it has even prevented me from tagging people in things before, because I don’t want everyone to see. This is definitely one area which I love Instagram for because I can just tag away haha. So it definitely does inhibit my behaviour a lot of the time, do you agree?
I really liked your discussion referencing hodkinson’s bedroom analogy and Pearson’s performative analogy. The fact that the user gets to choose who to let in to an intimate space and who to perform for is what makes it so appealing for users to participate in showing their identity.
I also liked the reference to reddit, and was wondering if you ever go on the website and comment as a user?
You did a wonderful job at illustrating how anonymity is beneficial in creating our important online identies as they also have great importance in our real lives as well.
Rachel
Hey Rachel,
Thanks so much for reading my paper, I’m glad you had the chance to see the similarities in the topic discussed, especially regarding anonymity like you said. I found your paper so refreshing to read as your views regarding anonymity were so aligned with my own, so it made me resonate more with your paper. I’m glad the feeling has been reciprocated.
Regarding your question – yes, I definitely feel as though people have this irrational fear that anonymity will automatically spread hate online, which isn’t always the case. I think people need to respect this option more, as it can provide security and confidence in so many people who would otherwise feel very uncomfortable communicating with others online.
Yes! I particularly loved that quote too, as it pretty much sums up my entire argument on anonymity. I’m glad you found it good too 🙂
Yes I can totally see argument there regarding tagging. I am also hyper aware that everything I post has the potential to be brought up years in advance, so I made a conscious decision a few years ago to post things which don’t seem disrespectful, controversial or inappropriate in any manner as I know it could haunt me in the future. Do you make the same effort online?
I really liked the bedroom analogy as it still applies somewhat to today’s context. Of course back when the internet and social networking sites we’re just starting to gain traction, the threat of hacking was significantly lower then it is today. However in saying that, I think people still have some control on what they post and who can view their information online, hence why I still think the bedroom analogy applies today. What do you think?
I used to be an avid user of Reddit actually but as of late I haven’t gone on there, and yes I do comment on certain threads as a user. I would love to get back onto Reddit.
Thank you again Rachel for providing such great feedback on my paper, much appreciate 🙂