Check out this video about the culture of social media...interesting!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Real Relationships?
Susannah Stern’s article Producing Sites, Exploring Identities: Youth Online Authorship explores both the what and the why behind youth online expression. Her research reveals the extreme connection between the creation and self-realization of identity through the media of online tools. It seems to provide teens with an authentic space for self-reflection with the opportunity for feedback and validation that might not be found in face-to-face relationships.
Stern explains that online expression is really a hybrid sort, drawing upon “a variety of genres, including diaries, autobiographies, resumes, high school yearbook entries, personal letters, refrigerator doors, business cards, displays on bedroom walls or school lockers, and advertisements” (pg. 98). This statement, along with the comments made in the following YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGpxDOQOIAs) lead me to believe that online expression is simply a continuation of what youth have always done, but now it can be done in a much more public manner. Their voice is allowed a forum or spotlight, receiving more recognition. The key factor, and the one that seems to cause so much controversy, is the blurring of lines between public and private...and the understanding youth have of these concepts. Publications made by youth on the web are “technically” public, yet Stern reports that most young people believe their audience is mostly private (close friends, relatives, themselves, etc.) This reminds me of the blurring between fantasy and reality that many young children struggle with.
If young people feel comfortable sharing private aspects via public spaces, does this mean they prefer the online expression to face-to-face relationships and expression? Stern interviewed one youth author who said, “Just because you read my blog does not mean you know me” (pg. 112). I think this points to the complex joys of having a “real” face-to-face relationship with someone. People are made up of more than just the words they choose to reveal in online spaces. Facial expressions, tone of voice, timing of responses, sense of humor are all aspects of getting to know someone that are difficult to do online. For me, truly knowing someone in the “real” world makes knowing them in the “online” world more enjoyable. I enjoy Facebook because it allows me to connect/reconnect with people I already know; when they express themselves virtually, I am simply imagining that expression in the flesh. What do you think? Does a face-to-face relationship make a virtual relationship more meaningful? More authentic?
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