Personal Identity in Facebook - Essay Example

? Outline A. The Shaping of Personal Identity in Facebook and Other Social Networks Introducing Personal Identity in Social Networks a. Social networks can be of great influence to us. 2. Personal Identity Background a. There has been much important work done in this field. 3. A Closer Study a. Further investigation of different sources. 4. Deeper Understanding of the Study a. Some categories have been made through research. 5. Further Identity Contemplation a. Many things need to be agreed upon. Journalism Mass Media and Communication October 16, 2011 The Shaping Of Personal Identity in Facebook and Other Social Networks Introducing Personal Identity in Social Networks There have been many studies about personal identity. For example, there has been research on the relationship of personal identity and abortion (Heathwood 2011) and personal identity as it related to utilitarianism (Shoemaker 1999). However, that of most note is the sociological perspective on personal identity. As it has been stated, “A sociological approach to self and identity begins with the assumption that there is a reciprocal relationship between the self and society” (Stets & Burke n.d; p.1). In other words, one cannot define themselves without society. Personal identity is, therefore, who one is in relation to society. Such a society does not only exist in the physical world, but in the digital world as well. As it has been written, “Social networks such as Facebook can be of great influence in the way all of us in society shape our personal identities” (Margolin, p. 530). The importance of this relationship can easily be seen when social networking is the main form of communication between certain close relatives. The way that family members interact online is intriguing to study. The network can act as a variable that changes behavior. Changes in behavior due to online versus in-person communications and activities have been proven. For example, when studying the difference in consumer behavior online it was found that online buyers tend to be more critical and flighty than in person. This is due to the fact that comparison shopping in easy (Degeratu et al 2011). Personal Identity Background There has been so much important work done in this particular field that there are countless different methods that are actually used in the networks themselves (Abrudan 2011; p. 25). Some of the main basic operations that deal directly with personal identity are things such as creating a personal profile. Creating personal profile is usually the first thing that visitors asked to do on almost all of the major social networks, including Facebook. The profile will be the first step of the process of conveying much personal information. Of course, they ask for the most basic personal things such as name, age, birthday, and other things for identifying purposes. Those who sign up to be a part of this digital community first introduce themselves by granting their basic definition. The information that they give is part of how they desire to define themselves. Although it is polite habit, self introduction is rarely called for in today’s society. One need not tell who they are when they enter a mall, for example. This is something that is uniquely common online. It has an effect on how people identify themselves in their minds. After the initial identifying information is completed, there are usually more questions and surveys that work to uncover more about the person. These questions are of all kinds and in various areas such as hobbies, interests, favorite things, relationships, personal preferences, friends, family, contact information, and many other related topics. These are the kinds of questions that require the person to think seriously about who they are. They must decide just how much about themselves that they might be willing to share with the rest of the world. Once they have read through all of the questions that they are asked, some even go back over their answers, making sure the answers given are conveying the exact image that they want everyone else to see. A Closer Study There have been many different theories regarding personal identity (El Banna 2009; p. 140). There is always the question of what beliefs and morals people should use most for the sake of all humanity. Some people think that using strict laws and beliefs as their basic system to answer all questions that may be asked of them. Yet others still believe that their own personal feeling and experiences should be of more importance than the actual set rules and regulations that have already been established. Furthermore, there is still other who may have a completely different set of laws or principal experiences that are even more complicated to fully understand. However, some intense research has brought a little light to all of the different perspectives, and has actually even brought them closer together in certain networks which will now be discussed. The intent is to increase the understanding on this subject as simply as possible without going into any of the real complications between any of the certain groups of people described above. Gathering detailed information through conducting and actual case study is beyond the scope of this paper. Deeper Understanding of the Study From many of the different studies which have taken place on the shaping of personal identity there have been certain categories which give a short description of some of the types of identity that we are all familiar with (Loseke & Donileen 2011; p. 663). Some of the basic categories are as follows: 1. Personal Identity - This is the unique way people are able to explain some basic details about themselves to simply show that they are intelligible beings. 2. Cultural Identity - These are symbolic in nature and sometimes specify certain guidelines between other cultures. 3. Institutional Identity – These are laws and policies according to how many people live their lives. 4. Organizational Identity – These are organizations which try to help people to establish their own identities, and to help correct any mistakes that may have been made. All of these specific forms of personal identity each have a certain level of importance in every individual’s life. The basic foundation that has been reached regarding all of the different forms of identity is that there simply has to be a way for all of them to somehow reach an agreement on certain things. Further Identity Contemplation After doing much research and meditation on personal identity the things that can be considered agreeable between all of the different kinds of people must be realized (Ayan, 2009; p. 64). As just a basic guideline people are apt to always put forth effort in respecting other peoples’ personal identity even though a full alignment with their ways of life or belief system. Even though human beings have different kinds of lifestyles, the right to initiate any form of violence against another unless there is a completely legitimate reason for the behavior is not given. On social media forums, attitudes against diversity have the opportunity of becoming neutralized as the participant becomes desensitized through exposure. This change may also result in a transformation of the definition of self. Social Media, therefore can offer a great example to the real world and even assist in changing many intolerant attitudes. If all are to learn to live together in peace and learn as much as possible from all of the different people there simply has to be some guidelines agreed upon that will not be crossed without a very good reason. In the real world, this is governed by laws, but in the digital world, although there is monitoring by governmental agents, the lines are loosened. People have a tendency to express themselves more freely online. However, not everyone takes advantage of this opportunity, because of the way that they identify themselves. They way that they perceive themselves helps to serve as behavioral guidelines. However, as a society, human beings have not yet completely developed the perfect guidelines to prevent some difficulties from arising. Hate crimes on other instances continue to persist, as does low self esteem and suicide. The negative characteristics have not been cancelled out by the wide spread tolerance. It is acceptable to cooperate with the network rules and regulations to the best of an individual’s ability to show respect to the network itself and to also have a mutual and peaceful line of communication to use (Guerro et al 2008; p. 114). For some, there obedience is part of who they are and for others their disobedience is their trademark. Without going into any detailed disputes between different types of personal identity, a little extra time can be spent observing at the people that are around, eventually, a much better understanding of all the different styles of life encountered will be generated. The variety of people, which variety exists as a result of personal identity perception can be easily recognized. So even if it is difficult to communicate or understand certain people, thanks to the modern technology that is continuing to develop more every day, many are granted the privilege of sharing their personal information and culture to all parts of the world. References Abradan, Elena, The dynamics of postmodern identity, Journal of Media Research, 2011,Volume 4, Issue 1, p. 23-32 Ayan, Meryem, Cultural Identity Tapestry in Amy Tan’s The Hundred Secret Senses, Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiesti Bulletin, Policy Series, June 2009, volume 61, Issue 1, p. 61-66 El Banna, alia; Murphy, Steven A., Identity Stigmatization, International Journal of Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Organizations, March 2009, Volume 19, Issue 1, p. 135-146 Degeratu,A., Rangaswamy, A., & Wu, J. “Consumer Choice Behavior in Online and Traditional Supermarkets: The Effects of Brand Name, Price, and Other Search Attributes” "International Journal of Research in Marketing 17(1):55-78. Guerro, Antonio, Bernal; Fernandez, Baterno; Jose, Marin, New Ways to Build the Identity in Cybercultural contexts, International Journal of Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations, May 2008, Volume 8, Issue 2, p. 113-119 Heathwood, C. “The Significance of Personal Identity to Abortion” Bioethics, 2011, 23(4): 230-232. Loseke, Donileen R., The Study of Identity as Cultural, Institutional, Organizational, and Personal Narratives: Theoretical and Empirical Integrations, Sociological quarterly, November 2007, Volume 48, Issue 4, p. 661-688 Shoemaker, D.“Utilitarianism and Personal Identity” The Journal of Value Inquiry 33:183-189. 1999. Stets, J., & Burke, P. “A Sociological Approach to Self and Identity” n.d. , Read More