I'll be your mirror : Identity reflections on the two sides of a computer screen
Type
presentation
Date Issued
2013-04-11
Author(s)
Abstract
The transition from anonymous IRC chat rooms to complete digital profiles has determined a true revolution in the identity value of social media-based interaction. In fact, whether behind by an avatar, under a username, or through authentic credentials and pictures, individuals associate with their digital identities important pieces of themselves (Strano, 2008, Zhao & al, 2008).
Research on Second Life-based avatars defines the connection between player and on-screen representation as "attachment" (Wolfendale, 2007): an emotional bond connecting individuals to their online selves, rendering the chosen character an extension of the real- life body (Ducheneaut & al, 2009). Social Media literature, instead, focuses on more strategized manners of self expression: on Facebook, where real names are the norm, identities exist and evolve through practices of self-monitoring and impression management (Ellison & al, 2006; Zhao & al, 2008; Ellison & al, 2011).
With the present paper, I intend to bridge between the two approaches, proposing a conceptual model connecting emotional and rational sides to online self-expression, in order to highlight the meaningful bond existing between digital and computer un-mediated identities.
Research on Second Life-based avatars defines the connection between player and on-screen representation as "attachment" (Wolfendale, 2007): an emotional bond connecting individuals to their online selves, rendering the chosen character an extension of the real- life body (Ducheneaut & al, 2009). Social Media literature, instead, focuses on more strategized manners of self expression: on Facebook, where real names are the norm, identities exist and evolve through practices of self-monitoring and impression management (Ellison & al, 2006; Zhao & al, 2008; Ellison & al, 2011).
With the present paper, I intend to bridge between the two approaches, proposing a conceptual model connecting emotional and rational sides to online self-expression, in order to highlight the meaningful bond existing between digital and computer un-mediated identities.
Language
English
Keywords
Digital Identities
Social Media
Self Performance
HSG Classification
contribution to education
Refereed
No
Event Title
Remote Encounters: Special issue of the journal Liminalities
Event Location
University of Prifysgol
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
220687
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
Presentation_RemoteEncounters.pdf
Size
409.74 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
c9f3fb6ba4525d2c3890f56c279f7bc5