Matthew Bernas
Summary
The Identity and Deception article discusses the role of identity in online communities such as Usenet. Identity online is difficult to prove and information from an online persona determines the credibility of the post. Identity in an online community also serves as a position of power or presence. Some people find it fulfilling to solve other’s problems or providing insightful comments. The importance of credibility leaves opportunities open for people who want to fake credible identities intentionally. Some sources also might unintentionally come off as a credible source which can be mistaken by others. The article discusses that readers/viewers are receivers to signals that posters give off from their content. The poster’s credibility can be given away from these signals such as writing styles and signatures. The signals help us attach an image to the poster to match a certain category in our minds.
The 4Chan /b/ article discusses the roles of anonymity and ephemerality in their online community. The article conducted two experiments to determine the anonymity and ephemerality characteristics of the site and found the overwhelming use of the site is anonymous and posts last minutes. The article analyzes these characteristics and suggests that they play a role in the type of content it produces. The ephemerality of the site allows fresh content to stream through the site and anonymity promotes more free speech. Although this does not necessarily promote positive content, it does show the effects of anonymity and ephemerality on online communities.
Reflection
The two articles both discuss the role of identity in online communities. Although outdated, the articles do bring up an important topic of online personas. People are able to interact with large online communities through a persona they create to represent themselves online. The ability to remain anonymous or fake an identity can affect the content posted online. It might promote speech that would otherwise had been limited by having their identities attached. Including an identity can also increase credibility but not necessarily reliability.
It was interesting to read the different motivations people have to participate in these online communities. Some people are seeking information, some gain from solving other’s problems, and others are browsing for entertainment. It is interesting to think about how people adapt to these new online mediums and form communities. The internet provides a whole new canvas for us to express ourselves and interact with others, and developments are fast paced resulting in interesting social constructs, ethical controversies, etc.
Questions
- How do you check the credibility of content?
- When is animosity appropriate?
- Is it acceptable for online personas to differ greatly from your real identity and personality?
