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Cyberspace is often considered a generic term (Featherstone, M. Borrows, R. 1996). It can be the space we inhabit whilst on the telephone, it can be a space that is no space, or it can specifically refer to the space we enter once we logg into our computers.
The word connotes a world of infinate possibilities. According to Neil Spiller (2002), Cyberspace is alchemic; forever dissolving, reconstituting, cyclically distilling and recombining. Jean Baudrillard, French philosopher, wrote 'Simulations' in 1983, in this he discusses 'simulacra' which are some ideas about our contemporary society. He points out that much of our world comprises of 'simulacra' which are images, objects and ideas that are all copies of something that never existed.
Therefore once we enter cyberspace, we are in a world of 'simulacra', due to the sheer amount of images that are thrown at us from computer technology which thus may affect our interactions, and how we appear to others. So what does it mean to have an online 'identity' in the field of cyberspace?
The term itself is often subject to various definitions, and can refer to the identity of an individual in relation to themselves, or in relation to a group. According to the Cambridge dictionary an identity, quite simply, refers to the qualities of a person that make them different from others. It is fair to assume we all have names, cultures and a language that shapes us to a certain degree, and give us a clearer sense of identity. The online Psychological glossary however, describes an identity on a more sophisticated level, as 'his or her own sense of self; of who they are'. It can be simply said that human have their identities which are construted gradually through their lives and are based mostly on experiences they have lived.
As the French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre said, “I am my body to the extent that I am''.
What Sartre means is that in the physical world there is an inherent unity of the body to the self. In some sense body and soul (identity) are connected. The self sometimes becomes complex and mutable, the body helps as a stabilizing anchor. In the virtual world the 'self' is united to the keyboard and not to the physical body.
You enter a world where the possibilities of who you can 'become' prove to be endless.
Is this an accurate way of defining identity? perhaps how one 'percieves' themselves in the real world becomes a grey area when it comes to the virtual world, and this is when issues surrounding identity become a little more complex.
"Identity plays a key role in virtual communities. We can see this with the recent boom of Social Networking sites and virtual reality spaces such as 'Second Life'."
MySpace is now the largest virtual community to date, with over half a million members joining every week (REF). In order to transfere yourself onto your computer it requires some time and creativity to conjure up your persona in a virtual reality setting. Myspace has the option of avatars, different backgrounds for your page, a chance to describe yourself, places for pictures, slideshows, and video clips. This means that you can take your character, or different aspects of your character and transfere this onto 'html'. This means having the ability to manipulate your character to the degree whereby you create an online alterego.
To find out more about online identity and networking sites Click here.
The following are a list of sites which help you to 'pimp' your profile, and thus make your virtual persona more lavish and attractive:
Joining an online community essentially means you are there to integrate with its members, so there are things to take into consideration about your own identity in relation to the community you are in contemplation of joining. First of all what type of community is it? what type of demographic does it attract? are they young? are they middle class? what is the main point of interest? For example there is no point in integrating with an online music community for people who love classical music, if you yourself dislike classical music and have no affiliation with this genre. Your own personal 'real-life' identity must in some way find a particular online community appealing in order for you to contemplate membership. Once you have joined its a question of whats next?
This is one's actual identity becomes a key issue. Are members of an online community being 'themselves', or are they conforming to the identity of their online counterparts in order to become further integrated into their 'second' community?
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