Category: Identity in Communities and Networks

This stream focuses on the place of identity in communities and social networks.

The Transient Nature of Identity Online

Myra Lowe4 Comments
An identity formed online is more transient due to its application within an online community and the adaptable nature of a Web 2.0 environment. Virtual communities undermine the original definition of a community; the virtual environment has also undermined the original definition of an identity. According to Donath (1996), the norm is: one body, one identity. Though the self may be complex and mutable over time and circumstance, the body provides a stabilizing anchor” (Donath, 1996). This paper Read more [...]

Fake it ‘till you make it: LinkedIn users manipulating their profiles to land their dream job

Jarrod Waerea28 Comments
Abstract By analysing texts relating to performing identity, impression management, deception and honesty in how LinkedIn users create and maintain their online identity, this paper argues how LinkedIn has changed the way professionals portray themselves and associate with their peers. Drawing on peer reviewed articles relating to social interactions involving identity performance, this paper draws a distinction between how these interactions differ between ‘real identity’ and ‘online identity’, Read more [...]

Safe and Unsafe Online Communities for People with Issues Surrounding Body Image

Madeleine Mcleod18 Comments
Abstract There are many online communities dedicated to helping people achieve their ideal body or learn to love the body they have, but are these communities safe? Negative body image is something that many people have to grapple with in their life especially young women (Kostanski & Gullone, 1998). People come in so many shapes and sizes, the world is full of beauty, even if the media encourages us to believe that beauty is only found in a few lucky people. This can create a lot of stress Read more [...]

#community: Hashtags generate a sense of belonging

Murray Summerville11 Comments
Download: Hashtags generate a sense of belonging Abstract This paper explores how hashtags are used on social media as a kind of textual signpost signifying aspects of our identity. Through these signposts users alert others to their emotions, thoughts and affiliations, all of which help generate a sense of belonging to something online. From its beginnings as a searchable piece of metadata, hashtags help others find others beyond their own circle of friends to discover a collective of similar Read more [...]

The Formation of Online Identities in Young Girls through Self-Presentation

Fatima Tanana19 Comments
Tanana_Fatima_15362818_Final Conference Paper Abstract This paper considers the implications of Instagram for the identity formation of young girls as they adjust their self-presentation to meet expectations and feel accepted by online communities.  Physical appearance, beauty, body image, poses and selfies, are just some of the aspects of self-presentation that this paper will explore and how they are affecting young girl’s confidence, insecurities and self-doubt over their real identities. Read more [...]

Using Facebook to Better Engage Customers and Strengthen Brand Identity

Thomas17 Comments
ABSTRACT With traditional means of marketing, such as banner advertisements, becoming increasingly unavailing, businesses have begun to seek out alternative methods of soliciting custom from consumers. The ubiquity of social networking sites and other Internet-enabled platforms introduces new opportunities for businesses, but in return ask for a radical alteration in their business strategy. This paper attempts to analyse how one such social networking site in particular, Facebook, has allowed businesses Read more [...]

Choosing who you want to be. Identity management in online communities.

Jeffrey Ozog9 Comments
PDF Download ABSTRACT: This paper seeks to explore the different ways people modify their identities online in order to demonstrate that the ability to alter or mask ones identity online is crucial for free and open discussions within online communities and networks. Keywords: Social Media, Identity, Impression Management, Performance of Identity, Identity Deception The internet provides many people around the world access to personal networks, and social communities they may not have Read more [...]

Virtual Communities: Empowering People with Disabilities to Wear Multiple Digital Hats

Barbara Jara6 Comments
Abstract This paper examines how people with disabilities construct their identity in virtual communities. The changing disability discourse resulted in communities of practice that lend themselves to a collective identity, however virtual worlds such as Second Life (www.secondlife.com), allow users to experience multiple identities through the creation of avatars. The purpose of this discussion is to consider the benefits of exploring multiple identities in virtual worlds and argues that creating Read more [...]

Using Manufactured Identities in Online Social Media

RMarkham10 Comments
Abstract The use of pseudonyms and personas when creating profiles within online social media serves to provide many vulnerable people with a way to safely have an online presence without the fear of harassment or real world threats. The rise in the number of hacking incidents involving identity theft combined with a growing number of reports of fake online identities being used for malicious and criminal intent, has led to companies such as Facebook implementing security measures such as the Read more [...]

Goodreads in the development of personal relationships on discussion boards through shared common interests

Peter Van Werkhoven9 Comments
Download PDF Abstract This paper will explore the development of relationships through discussion boards on Goodreads by arguing that online discussions give young people who are unable to communicate offline a chance to connect with others through a shared interest. This paper will also argue how through anonymity and pseudonymity young people have a chance to create a personal persona that aids them in the development of self.   Discussion Online discussion boards, chat groups, and Read more [...]