The Transient Nature of Identity Online

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 [...]

Tinder and the perceived intimacy of online relationships

18084076_Jonesh_FinalConferencePaper Online dating was once stigmatised as a service designed for those who were desperate for love, and for those who wanted to deceive other people (Ramirez, Bryant Sumner, Fleuriet & Cole, 2014). Digital technology has changed this, and now approximately 15% of Australians are using mobile-dating application, Tinder (Bruce-Smith, 2015). Smartphones and applications have changed the way people approach romantic relationships (Newett, Churchill & Robards, Read more [...]

Seizing the Memes of Production: The Dictatorship of the Proletariat and Facebook

Abstract Facebook is one of the biggest social networks and is pervasive throughout much of the word with billions of users. The Dictatorship of the Proletariat is a state of government proposed, in much communist literature, as a transitional state from revolution to communism. What do these have in common and why compare a political theory with a social network? These are the questions this paper aims to answer and discuss. By examining the structures of Facebook set out for managing community Read more [...]

Forming Identities for Individuals and Communities through Interactive Social Gaming

Abstract This paper explores Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), Massive-Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG), Social Media Gaming, Streaming, and E-Sports, and the affects that these platforms may have on day-to-day offline (non-Internet) life. It will make reference to 23 peer-reviewed articles to argue that online gaming has provided an escape from reality into a world where players are able to mould their identities, build communities, and experience interactive virtual realities with Read more [...]

The anti-social network: Facebook has negative implications on the friendships of young adults

Abstract           This essay explores the negative impact that Facebook has had on the relationships that young adults share with friends and colleagues. Examining such scholarly resources as Kaliarna (2016) to classify online relationships, Young (2013) to study adult friendships in the Facebook era and Bevan, Pfyl and Barclay (2012) to highlight the ramifications of Facebook friend deletion, I will highlight the characteristics of friendship and how they compare when applied to online and Read more [...]

Examining the exploitive nature of Companies within Virtual Communities

This paper explores how companies employ social networking sites and online platforms to engage with existing online communities to develop exploitative relationships with potential consumers. Examining the exploitive nature of Companies within Virtual Communities. Angela Lougheed Student Curtin University Author Note Angela Lougheed – Student NETS2004 NET204 Social Media, Communities and Networks To read offline download PDF: Net204_Final Conference_Lougheed Angela for web   This Read more [...]

Social Media Bubbles Reinforce Negative Behaviour

PDF Copy – NET204_Final Conference_Lamerichs,Sebastian Abstract This paper explores the use of “filter bubbles” (or just “bubbles”) on the Internet,  referring to the practice of using metadata for each individual user of an online service such as a social media platform or search engine, and constructing personalised results for that user that align with their existing interests, intended to increase engagement on those platforms. While the concept of filter bubbles culturally is not Read more [...]

Using Manufactured Identities in Online Social Media

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 [...]

“Mum, seriously!”: Sharenting the new social trend with no opt-out.

Abstract Children growing up with the normalised practice of sharenting via social networking sites, such as Instagram, will be influenced by the public interactions with the curated portrayal of their identity. The over-sharing of personal childhood moments creates a mediated digital identity with no agency from the child. While research has indicated a number of negative effects from social networking sites (SNS), including lower self-esteem and depression in teenagers and adults, findings have Read more [...]