Week 2 Comm DQR

Comm DQR

Joseph B. Walther (2007) explains that in computer-mediated communication, we often put forth the best version of ourselves; for example, we choose the best photographs to post and carefully word captions. We do this in an attempt to manage other people’s impressions of us. This is called selective self-presentation.

Read: http://digital-deadly-sins.theguardian.com/#/Envy/19 “I Fake It On Facebook”

Answer the following questions.

How do people construct an identity on social media? Provide examples. Is selective self-presentation occurring?

Is it unethical to create a different version of yourself online? When could it be considered unethical?

Thomas Schack

Whether or not you mean to, you always create an identity of sorts when creating a social media page. Often times you want to seem more or less like yourself, but most people want to be seen more positively than perhaps they see themselves. Some of the most common attributes that people falsely portray with selective self-presentation on social media is physical beauty, confidence, pride, and money. One simple trip into Twitter or Instagram and you will see plenty of people and accounts who like to flex their money or post pictures of themselves that are deemed attractive in the social eye so they can get some sort of positive feedback from total strangers even if they alter the picture to make it more "presentable". Sometimes you may not even realize that your internet personality is slightly different from reality. When you are behind a screen in the safety of your own home you will most likely act more confident online than in real life. There is not much wrong in doing so as it is obviously easier to defend yourself in an online argument than a real one, having the ability to do research and come up with a educated paragraph which is something you cannot do in an actual conversation. However, some people take this confidence to another level and you will encounter angry users who will threaten and virtually harass because they know that there are no repercussions for their online actions. If you were to meet this person face-to-face, they would most likely never repeat those words and commit to their threats due to actual repercussions. Selective self-presentation is always occurring whether or not it is meant, while some wish to be seen as a more respectable and average human being while others only wish to gain "clout" and positive attention.

Do not misunderstand though, as it not always unethical to create a different version of yourself. It is always easy to talk the talk than to walk the walk, and the internet makes that even easier. Portraying yourself a bit more confidently, or perhaps posting pictures that you think others will approve of isn't necessarily a bad thing. Social media and everything that exists on such platforms have created false images of what the body, mind, and demeanor should be. Everybody wants to fit in, as it is a naturally occurring instinct to want to be accepted into a society. Therefore, you cannot completely blame someone when they simply want to be accepted in the eyes of others. However, there are times when it is most definitely unethical. Impersonating or creating a false identity to gain something, such as "catfishing". "Trolling" and chasing for internet "clout" or fame are both unethical. Most "trollers" make fake accounts to be able to continue harassing others while people who chase the fame tend to portray a completely false persona that they believe will gain a following.

At this point of the internet is impossible to weed out all the lies and "fake news" that exists, but one must remain vigilant and educated to prevent themselves from becoming a victim or joining the herd.

Response –

Mark Nolde

How do people construct an identity on social media? Provide examples. Is selective self-presentation occurring?

I have seen many people that I know that portray a different lifestyle on their social media accounts than in real life. The way this is done is by highlighting a vacation, going to a big sporting event, a concert and showing their followers they are somewhere that’s better than where most people are at in that moment. What’s not shown is the fight they had with their significant other in the parking garage because it cost $50 to park their car at the arena for the game they are at. Also, what isn’t shown is the maxed-out credit card that was used to purchase the tickets for that game. Now, these are not always the situations for people posting their lives on social media. This could be untrue, but its also highly likely to be semi true for some folks that create another image of their lives that is not based on real life or situations.

Is it unethical to create a different version of yourself online? When could it be considered unethical?

I don’t think its unethical to have a different version of yourself online. I am sure some folks create that to escape their real life and have a positive outlook on their abilities and self-worth. I do find it to be unethical if it involves other people and creates feelings or genuine interest under a false account of agenda. Creating a profile and not being truthful with another person is wrong and people that do that are not trustworthy and have no respect for other people that could have good intentions to feel connected or accepted by others on social media platforms. People that do that remind me of that tv show Catfished that tracked down people on social media sites that turn out to be completely different than the person they said they were online. It’s a very interesting show and kind of disturbing that people would be this sneaky and dishonest to feel wanted and needed by someone else through a computer or phone.

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