Identities: Constructions and Representations
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 by Simon212
Kennedy's article provided interesting insights into the critical cyberculture studies phase that we are currently exploring. Identity and Anonymity are issues under constant scrutiny within new media and the cultures that exist within it. In order to provide a context, take that of a forum based website where like minded individuals or groups sharing similar interests converge to discuss, debate, share and express ideas, information and experiences. Forums have become a haven for the anonymous, it is a place within the cyber world where one can escape the aesthetic and social attributes they may possess to create or expand their personality and extend social contact.
Kennedy however clearly explains how the empowering anonymity found behind a screen is far more problematic; while visual cues are absent; our ability to communicate online can quite easily express aspects of our identity. In other forms of internet forum such as Facebook, identity is prioritised and considered a significant part of their social being. Constant updates, becoming a fan of ____, and commenting are explicit expressions of our ever changing and transforming identities. Leaving your Facebook account unattended for a long period could prove disastrous in today’s context leaving an outdated impression of your online representation. These personal profiles existing on the internet in most cases feature our real name so therefore must be a transparent reflection of ourselves, or perhaps they are simply a construction of an identity we would like to possess. As in the offline world perhaps you will be judged on whom you are friends with, what group you belong to or associate with, or simply by the number of friends you possess in your online representation. Facebook quizzes further provoke question; a friend of mine has just achieved the status of '20+ beer champ'. It seems that no-one ever achieves an embarrassing or poor result suggesting their answers were chosen according to the predicted outcome they would achieve; representation or construction?.
What is written on your wall and where you've been tagged show aspects of your identity, allowing others to make judgments based on their relationship with you. If we use Kennedy’s concept of analysing the offline self (assuming we know this person offline) we can develop a deeper understanding of their online identity, considerin it an extension of their offline self, or a constructed online-self. Who sees this online persona is controlled by the individual and therefore keeps a level of anonymity to the outside world. Conversely, you may be trying to achieve the exact opposite, publishing your constructed identity to all who care to look.
Kennedy however clearly explains how the empowering anonymity found behind a screen is far more problematic; while visual cues are absent; our ability to communicate online can quite easily express aspects of our identity. In other forms of internet forum such as Facebook, identity is prioritised and considered a significant part of their social being. Constant updates, becoming a fan of ____, and commenting are explicit expressions of our ever changing and transforming identities. Leaving your Facebook account unattended for a long period could prove disastrous in today’s context leaving an outdated impression of your online representation. These personal profiles existing on the internet in most cases feature our real name so therefore must be a transparent reflection of ourselves, or perhaps they are simply a construction of an identity we would like to possess. As in the offline world perhaps you will be judged on whom you are friends with, what group you belong to or associate with, or simply by the number of friends you possess in your online representation. Facebook quizzes further provoke question; a friend of mine has just achieved the status of '20+ beer champ'. It seems that no-one ever achieves an embarrassing or poor result suggesting their answers were chosen according to the predicted outcome they would achieve; representation or construction?.
What is written on your wall and where you've been tagged show aspects of your identity, allowing others to make judgments based on their relationship with you. If we use Kennedy’s concept of analysing the offline self (assuming we know this person offline) we can develop a deeper understanding of their online identity, considerin it an extension of their offline self, or a constructed online-self. Who sees this online persona is controlled by the individual and therefore keeps a level of anonymity to the outside world. Conversely, you may be trying to achieve the exact opposite, publishing your constructed identity to all who care to look.