Friday, October 11, 2013
Two years ago, artists James Alliban and Keiichi Matsuda created a program that displays people's form not as a realistic image, but as a clump of descriptors gathered from their various social media sites. Check out this video:
"We wanted to expose this digital aura, while questioning how this new way of defining ourselves may start to trap and enmesh us." -Keiichi Matsuda
It is
important that we remember that our social media activity affects others’
perceptions of us. There are some things about yourself that others really
don't need to know (or really shouldn't), and we all know those friends that
cross the line of being authentic and offering too much information.
But when do we cross
the line between being selective and being deceptive?
College is all about
redefining yourself. Each of us is experiencing major life changes like moving
away from home, starting new relationships, choosing a career path, etc. When
entering a new social climate such as college, social media platforms provide a
useful way to display our unique and evolving identities.
However, instead of relishing this chance for self-discovery and self-presentation, many instead are terrified by the uncertainty it brings.
“Will people like me for who I am? What if I accidentally leave the wrong impression?”
Faced with frightening
social implications, students often find it easier to fit into the mold of a
“typical” student and filter their personalities to match everyone else’s. This can be observed
particularly in social media platforms.
In a study conducted by Georgetown University, one of the most popular reasons for college students using Facebook was “self-presentation.” Unfortunately, putting on a good face can often get in the way of presenting oneself authentically.
I know I personally am
guilty of this identity “filtering." In case I seem
overly eager or intrusive, I have to wait a while before I like someone’s
Facebook status update or comment. I probably untag at least half of the
pictures that other people post of me. For fear of appearing too "different," my social media profile pages often get watered down.
Interests:
Singing
Art
Reading
Cooking
In various ways I
whittle down my online persona, whether it’s because I’m afraid of appearing
obsessive, unattractive, nerdy, unsociable, or in any way too different from
what’s “normal.”
...but really, what fun
is “normal?” Don’t your hobbies, and quirks contribute to what make you a
unique individual? These differences are what distinguish you from the crowd.Furthermore, when you present yourself honestly you attract other people with similar interests and characteristics, people who will appreciate your unique personality.
Contrary to common fears, authentic self-presentation online helps facilitate, rather than hinder, meaningful relationships. Be confident and show multiple sides of your personality online.
Really, just make an effort to be yourself.
I agree. I became much happier when I stopped caring so much about what others thought of me. I do want to respond to that study you quote, that says that the most popular reason for using Facebook was "self-presentation." I think that sentiment is ultimately destructive. I see people go and do fun things _just_ so they can take pictures of it and talk about it on Facebook. Just do fun things because they are fun. I think it ultimately comes down to needing approval from peers, which ought to be unnecessary if you have self-confidence anyway.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. Sometimes, when I go to a fun activity or event, I find myself in the moment thinking about how I will later retell the story or share it with other people. When I take pictures, it's often because I want to show people later and have "proof." Maybe we should just be in the moment and enjoy things instead. :)
DeleteI found this video that I think really resonates with what you said:
Deletehttp://vimeo.com/70534716
I like how you started with the real-life counterpart of hiding interests. This is really something prevalent in today's world, and we are scared of being different. As noted in other blog posts, who you are online and offline really aren't two different people. Sometimes being online gives one freedom to be more "interesting" in a setting where most people won't tear you down. This might be a step in a direction towards becoming more open in real life.
ReplyDeleteI think it's so interesting that we all seem to have a fear of being different, when in fact we ALL are inherently different. Shouldn't we be excited by these differences instead of spurning them? And I also think it's cool that we can explore different sides of ourselves online, but I think we still need to be genuine at the same time. :)
DeleteI totally agree with you. Social media has furthered the need of our generation to be accepted by society. People will only post a status or picture if it presents them in a good light and will impress people. I think it's funny how people say, "It didn't happen unless it's on facebook," or, "It's not facebook official, so they aren't really dating." People today have the ability to present only their characteristics that fit the social norm. This creates false expectations of who you should be or how you should act. If people would just stop caring what other people thought about them and started being themselves, they would be much happier.
ReplyDeleteI also think it is kind of a collective force thing. Like, if everyone showed their unique personality points online, then others wouldn't feel weird about being genuine as well. But, as it is, people are more guarded about how they present themselves and conforming to the "norm." If people started being more authentic, then I think that the "norm" would become uniqueness and self-expression.
DeleteAmanda-
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to admire your work. Well done.
You convincingly hold your case, you put it in a very potent and personal way. Which made your post a pleasure to read. Along with how you admitted to editing your online persona, I couldn't help but think that, editing one's online profile is an overarching negative thing. However, I actually find it to be more beneficial.
The only reason I created a Facebook was to seem "less sinister" for potential job employers. Then, when I worked for "Utah Valley Magazine" Facebook was the best way to generate contacts and to publicize stories and events. During that time period my profile was made quite public. I had to show a more ethical and professional character. Doesn't mean that I was hiding the worst parts of myself and projecting too perfect a person for everyone to love. I just don't need to share my love of kittens, balloons, and pranks with my online audience.
I'd like to point out as well that those we interact with more personally will most likely know those quirky things about us and we don't or shouldn't feel the need to hide. Although, we may share close connections in the virtual world as well, we need to be wary of our broad online audience by presenting our more professional side.
I think your points match with what Dylan said in his post very well. I agree that for certain audiences you might need to show the more "professional" side of your character. So I guess it all depends on how you use different social media platforms. For me, Facebook is a place for me to stay in contact with family and friends. It's a very social thing. Maybe I should amend my position to be the avocation of authenticity when using social media platforms for social, personal use. How you present yourself to employers is a very different thing. :)
Delete