This week I commented on this blog.
http://iamlearningstuffs.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/mediated-identity-and-interaction.html
In case my comment doens't show up here is what I said in response:
I agree with Cat65 here! This week’s reading was rather dull. Normally I would jump at the opportunity to learn more about online interaction but the potential of this article was really not fulfilled. [Insert online mediated sad face here].
Ross did, however, make a point that interested me more than the other points: the pretentiously named ‘organic online learning community’ is a space where Goffman’s backstage theory applies because it becomes a ‘sanctuary’ of sorts (2007, p 323). I find myself in awkward situations everyday but social risks are reduced and reputations are seemingly less damaged through the use of social networking sites. Your point about the convenience of online profiles and communication techniques rings true in my life! I’d like to back onto your point about anonymity online and the new sanctuary it creates.
Klein & Goethals have researched the idea of constructive social comparison where people use their ‘esteem-bolstering conceptions of their own behavior if they are constrained by social reality in their capacity to devise flattering constructions of others’ (2002 p105). Consequently, we change others’ perceptions of us rather than attempting to change other people (Klein & Goethals 2002). Phew! How exhausting is that! No wonder the internet and social networking sites have taken off – they provide us with this other reality where social blunders are more acceptable. Our facework that we attempt to create and maintain becomes a little less tedious online through being more anonymous. Maybe that’s a point of contention though?
Although…maybe integrity in ourselves and our identities is being compromised? An interesting thing to think about!
References
Klein, W & Goethals, G 2002, ‘Social reality and self-construction: A case of "bounded Irrationality?", Basic and Applied Social Psychology, vol.24, no.2, pp105-114.
Ross, D 2007, ‘Backstage with the knowledge boys and girls: Goffman and distributed agency in an organic online community’, Organisation Studies, vol.28, no.3, pp307-323.
You have a very interesting blog! I love how effectively you integrate the previous theories we have learnt into the current topic. For instance, I hadn't really thought too much about the connection you make between presentation of the self and CMC. You really seem to understand the impact CMC has had on identity.
ReplyDeleteI know you mention facework and anonymity, something you could consider is the dramatic effect CMC has had on interaction. The fact that people have been 'hiding' behind anonymity has been the downfall of CMC, and has seen the intense cyber bullying and trolling of online communication today. I highly doubt these bullies would say such mean things to the person's face without the shield that anonymity has given them. Since whatever they say can't be traced back to them at all, they don't worry about the consequences.
Thanks for an enjoyable read - you seem to have a knack for pointing out perspectives people may not have considered.