While social networking sites like Facebook and Myspace create an atmosphere where one's self-presentation or avatar has the potential of being anonymous or pseudonymous, for me its not. 95% of my "friends" on Facebook are people I know such as friends, family members, or coworkers. In fact, I try very hard to exclude people from associating with me on Facebook, unless I know them or have known them at some point personally. Spammers quite frequently try to use pseudonyms featuring attractive men or women in order to "friend" as many people as possible and then spam them or steal their identities or worse.
Wood and Smith explain how the internet and face-to-face communication can be defined as specialized channels in that "people choose them to fulfill particular needs" (73). For me, Facebook fulfills a need to keep in touch with friends and family. Some of my friends use Facebook or Myspace to meet new people or find relationships. For them, communicating online hides certain nonverbal traits, making it easier (or more comfortable) to control their communication. Nervousness, shyness, and a certain amount of self consciousness are hidden when communicating over the internet. It also provides an ability to think out what to say (or write). In this scenario, my friends have a better control over their self-presentation and they feel more comfortable with their telepresence.
Even though I try hard to keep my profile (or avatar) private, I am still in constant fear that the wrong person (a coworker, family member, or current or future employers) may come across something on my Facebook or Myspace pages which presents me in a negative light. Social context cues, as Wood and Smith point out, "serve as indicators of appropriate behavior" (73). A picture of me holding an alcoholic beverage may be seen as appropriate behavior amongst my friends, however it may not amongst potential employers. Another example is if the wrong person comes across a picture of me passed out drunk, they would believe that my self-presentation is that of low moral character and thus they believe that I am someone of low moral character even though my "social group" my view it as humorous. Most pictures of me or comments I make online are relatively tame. In this respect, I "exert greater control over [myself] in order to meet social expectations" (73).
Way to tie the reading into your blog post! I agree with you that Facebook definitely gives people "better control over their self-presentation." People who are uncomfortable revealing their identities to others in face-to-face interactions may reveal more of themselves online because they won't be so terrified that their flaws will be seen.
ReplyDeleteI really like what you have to say about social context cues. There are a lot of people who don't consider that potential employers may screen applicants using Facebook or Myspace. It is wise to consider the social context cues relevant in a job interview or another formal situation when posting on Facebook. When presenting ourselves on Facebook, we should assume that we may be communicating with many different types of people in a variety of situations.
Good point about maintaining self control over posts and pictures on your profile to fit the social expectations of all of those who visit your profile. One thing I found interesting when creating my profile was how obligated I felt to accept friend requests from people I didn't really know, especially family members. I didn't want them to feel ousted or like I don't like them, even though I rarely see or ever talk to them, let alone know them that well. Its something I wouldn't have to deal with in "real life".
ReplyDeleteI think that is a good idea to maintain self control over postings of status' and pictures. I know that my brother got fired from his job for pictures that were found on his facebook. You really have to watch out for who is paying attention to your profile. Even if it is private, aren't there still ways for companies you work for to view pictures and your profile?
ReplyDeleteIt’s interesting to read about someone who uses Facebook completely the opposite of how I use it. While I do use it to connect with friends, they are friends I never see. I know exactly what you are talking about when you talk about how you are afraid that the wrong person will see stuff on you Facebook, out of context, and think you are a certain type of person because of just one photo or just one comment.
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