Week 3 - Topic 2 Web Forums

A) Is withholding one’s identity ethically wrong?
It is obvious not to give your name and address out on the internet etc., but there is also the issue of pretending to be someone you are not. I do not believe it is that much of a problem, as long as there are boundaries, because i believe for some people it gives them the chance to be someone they are not, create a different character to an extent giving them more confidence to comment and interact with others. It allows a sort of escapism from their usual self, acting differently, an internet ID it could be called, because in a real life study group, some people may not contribute as they'd like and say what they want. It opens up opportunities to show different aspects of thinking and saying things. At times, if you say you are older, or have achieved things you havn't, you will get more respect in the forums, however there are limits to how far you go to changing your identity, such as stereotyping or taking the mickey out someone else or using your moulded identity to put across untolerable views.

B.) Should we always use our full name?
Similarly to the previous question, it is a matter of choice, that is the brilliance with the internet, you can be who you like, but again there a the limits of putting one of your mates full names and pretending to be a right idiot. Sometimes the best option is to use a nickname, as i don't really like putting my whole name on, it seems rather formal, i think it's better to be a bit more adventurous and playful.

C.) Far from adopting a ‘mask’, isn’t one appeal of the Net that you can express your true self among like minds?
This is a definate positive that web forums offer, as i was saying before, web forums give people the confidence to speak out in a group, due to there not being as much pressure compared to a seminar group or similar. Poeoples true feelings are expressed creating more of an argument and passion, which is shown as there is no fear of being shown up and it is subject specific to what you're interested in.

D.) What kinds of risk are involved in online self-expression? Online relationships?
It is often the case that characters collide whilst online, plainly because people have complete opposing opinions. Therefore when someone comes out with a rash statement, the believe to be true, others can find this offensive, and it gives that person a bad name. Therefore at times it is best to keep some views and attitudes on a piece of paper, rather than a forum. Online relationships are dangerous to get into, because that question of identity is asked once again, and no one can be sure who they are talking to. Also if two people get on well on the internet, doesn't mean they will get on in real life.

E.) If you are participating in online social interaction might you shape your identity and expression to ‘fit’ that group?
I beleive a person would have to shape their identity to have involvement in the discussion. This is because you would not be taken seriously and would get no respect in the first place. However this begs the question, why would you want to have social interation with a group you have nothing in common with? Wouldn't it be boring and unbeneficial, unless you were just having fun developing your own characters!

F.) If you are a ‘digital presence’ how can you be manipulated by others?
A person could easily get your attention and brainwash you by just saying he is somekind of genius. The media today is constantly manipulating people into believing things, and it is the same on forums, it is easy to be drawn into something someone tells you.

Lister et al. (2003) New Media: A Critical Introduction, London: Routledge.