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.