Week 3 topic 3 (c,d&e)

C) p. 167 What do you think of postmodern views which stress the fluidity of online selves and their apparent disembodied status, which has been argued frees people from being represented through signs of their race, gender, class etc?
- Online, using forums and blogs and chatrooms, unless you have a photo of yourself, people at the other end cannot physically see you. Rather than be judged on your race, gender or class, the focus of primarily on your personality and writing, or the persona you create. You're identity doesn't have to be fixed. You don't need to let people know what you look like, or your social status. You are in control.


D) p. 168 Do cyberidentities constitute an alternative to ‘normal social reality’?
- Cyberidentities allow you to be who you want to be. People can easily escape from the realy identity and live a fantasy, being someone you are not.“...represent a retreat from, or an alternative to social reality” (Lister et al. 2003; 168).


E) p 170 Are online relationships the same as offline ones?
- Personally, I think no, online and offline relationships are not the same. How can they be? There are some similarities in the way that you are communicating on an in depth level, but the conventions differ greatly. With online relationships everything is done "behind closed doors" "hidden behind a screen". You can't see facial expressions, conversations are limited and not as instant as in a face-to-face situation, theres no physical contact. Some people may find it easier to talk online, as they can take their time to reply, not have to deal with awkward silences or veing face to face with someone if they are shy, but you can't see the other person. Communicating through the internet and typing doesn't allow you to recognise the register, the tone of the message. Its unpersonal. I do find it easy talking to people online, taking my own pace and not having to give the conversation my full attention, but I think online and offline relations differ quite alot really.