I was blown away
with the first paragraph when realizing that Kaycee wasn't real. I definitely
thought this article was food for the soul. For someone to play a
"game" like that in my opinion is crazy. Jordan describes the
Internet as a way for people, "to reconstruct a tetherless online
persona," (203). I find this extremely true. I remember earlier on in the
year with a previous reading that spoke about the findings of using the
Internet that actually boasted social relationships. This story proves this to
be true with an online community blog. It also shows how people can become
whoever they want. If I were one of the people a part of the community I would
definitely feel betrayed and hurt. That's because I put a lot of my time, support
and effort into allowing this person into my life and me into hers. I also like
the concepts of rhetoric and authority that Jordan explains. It is ironic to
think of it in the perspective of the virtual and online world.
I share many of your same thoughts regarding the idea of a "tetherless" approach that many take when creating profiles of identities on the internet. Social relationships are great, but what meaning do they maintain when that relationship is built upon false statements and projections of inaccuracies. There are many issues when it comes to having the desire to maintain a certain standard in an online community. My problem is how to you keep the integrity of an online community without it being corrupted by those who only seek to damage its reputation? I am challenged by exercising authority while still allowing freedom of expression.
ReplyDeleteNice post Jinxx,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that anyone who would pose as a sick girl is crazy. The ability for the internet to create tetherless persona's is one downside to interaction online. When there is no repercussions for creating a fictional character and toying with other people, many disturbed individuals will use this for entertainment or other disingenuous reasons. Behind a computer screens many people will gain false confidence because they have no fear of the people they are toying with. This is one of the reasons I am not a member of an online community with people I do not know in person. The ability for someone to infiltrate an online community when they have motives to harm or betray others is too great. Maybe, someday I will have enough trust to join an internet community where I don't know anyone personally, but this article was a reminder of the perils of internet communities, and how easy it is to be betrayed through the virtual world.
Hey Jinxx,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your stance on the whole Kaycee Swenson ordeal. I too think it is just crazy for someone to do that to a whole bunch of people. I believe the study proved a few things, but I still think that it may have been a little hurtful to be done. I also agree with the way you say people on the internet can become anyone they want. I think that the fact that people can do that online is kind of dangerous if used in the wrong ways. Although the study was a bit controversial i did enjoy it in essence that it pointed out a few things.