Facebook is a place where one can express themselves, learn about others, interact and more specifically, create a means of self identity and express their "ideal self". People use the internet to exemplify their dreams, do things they would never have done before, and alter or re create their image to how they want and desire to be. It is interesting to see how people create themselves to be more desirable, interesting, open, cool and so forth. Essentially, Facebook allows one to be what they cannot be in reality. After I started thinking about this I questioned if I have ever used the internet to create an image of myself that I know I could never create in reality. And I do not think I ever have. I feel that in many ways this is a postive use of technology but it can also be dangerous. We are using technology to create and illustrate a false image of ourselves ( for example, online dating services, profiles, online games etc.) Could the combination of the real world and virtual world, regarding self identity be a set up for broken expectations and false hope in reality? Could the build up of one's ego cause a drastic downfall for that person in reality?
3 comments:
I myself have never been burdened by the size of my ego. Except when I can't get through a door because my head is too big :P
I deffenitly agree with your observations on the construction of identity online. It is also interesting to think not only about Facebook but online dating websites as well. People use online dating sites to meet others from around the world. When people mis-represent themselves it can become quite a dangerous situation. Especially when people really stretch the truth and lie about concrete details of there life. The scarey thing is that I know people who use online dating and they say that it is more likely to meet people online who lie about themselves then people who are sincerely truthful. In my opinion this situation is only going to get worse as new forms of social newtworking emerge in society.
It is true that people exaggerate their identity on social networking sites, using it as a medium to enhance what they would like to be rather than who they are. It really depends how much online interaction one person is involved in to determine how they act in a reality. I think dating sites such as eHarmony have become quite reputable and there a are many success stories so who knows. If you want to talk further about this you can contact me at chunkylover84@eharmony.com
Post a Comment