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Post a statement of your sub-area of interest in a comment in response to this post. Explain why you are interested in this sub-area.
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Day 1 Friday 8/10. What is “identity”? What are the necessary elements of an identity? What are the boundaries or limits of what an ident...
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Day 2 Saturday 8/11. What overall aesthetic theme best reflects our collective ideas about IDA (identity in a digital age)? I’ll post s...
I am interested in researching feminist digital identity since it is already one of my favorite literary theories.
ReplyDeleteSounds good, Ivonne. Since feminist theory is so wide now, there are several ways you might approach this. Have you thought about how you'd work in this area? In other words, do you already have some readings you'd like to start from?
DeleteI am interested in "The digital identity divide: how technology knowledge impacts college students." Because I work in the education sector, this will be very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThis is a pretty important areas, Elizabeth. I know there's a digital divide. How do you plan on connecting that divide to digital identity? Another interesting question, how does the digital and identity divide affect education, retention, etc?
DeleteI know that ten years ago, when I walked into a first year composition class and announced that this would be an entirely digital class, all readings and assignments would be provided online, and all papers would be submitted, graded, and returned online, one or two students would get up an walk out. Now, they just shrug their shoulders. That makes me wonder where the divide is and how it's functioning. Are those who are on the other side of the divide seeing their identity differently than those on this side of the divide?
I'd recommend you do a little preliminary research and see how you can connect the divide to identity, perhaps do a little free writing and see where that leads you.
Here's an interesting twist on your area, Elizabeth: "Are Smartphones Making Us Stupid?" https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201706/are-smartphones-making-us-stupid
DeleteThis article forces us to ask the question: Is the digital divide actually benefiting those on the "wrong" side?
An interesting conundrum has occurred to me, Elizabeth. If you don't go on the internet, do you have a digital identity? How much presence does it take to make an identity?
DeleteOh, and I've been spending some time on Instagram lately, sort of an experiment in preparation for this class. One of the things I've noticed is how many projected identities there are on such sites. These are often performative, intentionally fictional identities designed to entertain and produce clicks. Should we take those as identities at all?
Wow! Exciting ideas! I have much research to do.Thank you.
DeleteI am interested in social networks and digital identity. I am very active on Twitter, and I'd like to explore how students express/compose their digital identities on social networks.
ReplyDeleteSocial networks certainly seem to be ground zero for a lot of what's going on with digital identity. I have a book on my shelf, "It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens." You're welcome to come by and get it if you'd like.
DeleteGreat. Do you have office hours on Friday?
DeleteKarina,
DeleteI have a meeting on Friday from 10:00 to 3:00. I can meet you before or after the meeting. Or, you're just coming by to pick up the book I can leave it in the Literature Department office which is next door to mine.
Thanks. I think I'll buy an e-book on Amazon (its very inexpensive), rather than making a trip to campus, just for a book.
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ReplyDeleteI will be researching "Pedagogy and Digital Identity" with a focus on technology as a limit to knowledge rather than a springboard. My first S/R will be on my own topic through the lens of doubt:
ReplyDeletehttp://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1474022208088648
Benmayor, Rina. "Digital Storytelling as a Signature Pedagogy for the New Humanities." Arts and Humanities in Higher Education: An International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice 7.2 (2008): 188-204.
DeleteCan you connect "limit to knowledge" to digital identity?
DeleteAt first, when I asked those of you who have outlined a sub-area to make that connection I thought perhaps this might be an artificial maneuver. However, this morning I submitted an abstract for a conference, and as is often the case, I found myself adjusting my own research to "fit" the them of the conference. In the past, I've done the same thing with journal articles to make them fit the editorial guidelines of a specific journal. So, I'm going to feel okay about making that request from this point on.
By the way, digital storytelling is a great way to make the connections. I'd suggest you look at Murray's Hamlet on the Holodeck. It came out in 1997, which is ancient history in digital studies, but well worth reading. I have a copy of you want to borrow it.
I've been thinking about this since we talked today, Andres. You write about "a focus on technology as a limit to knowledge." It seems to me that if technology is limiting us it's limiting the way we think rather than knowledge, unless, of course, we define knowledge as how we connect information and thinking. How has exponentially expanding our information base affected knowledge as thinking about?
DeleteAndres, I think this is an interesting topic and it somewhat connects to my topic. My topic is about Ted Talks, and I am currently focusing on finding a pattern that helps me theorize why people watch TED Talks. Many do it to continue their education on their own through self-directed learning.
DeleteI think my topic sort of connects, and maybe contrasts because I have heard before that while technology has helped us gain access to so much more knowledge and information, it has also made us dependent of it and whatever we learn does not permanently stick to our brains. I have heard that technology has hindered our learning process and has made so many information available that people don't really use it for personal knowledge.
Not sure this was helpful or I may be way off topic.
I'm interested in Identity in Video Games. As someone who has played/plays a lot of video games, this topic really hits home. There's a lot to be said about the characters (avatars) we create/choose when playing these games.
ReplyDeletePriscilla,
DeleteAnyone looking at identity and video games has to read James Gee's What Video Games have to Teach us about Learning and Literacy. Much of the book is based on his experiences playing WOW. He does an excellent job of connecting avatars to identity through semiotic domains. I have a copy of the book if you need to borrow it, but it's worth buying.
Thank you!
DeleteI'll be sure to get myself a copy! (:
Priscilla, I have never been into video games, but I remember when I was younger, I used to play this online game where you got to dress up and choose the features on an avatar based on how you look or how you would want to look. I would always play this game because I was so surprised at how many varieties and different faces and outfits I could create for that avatar and still have my same name attached to it. I was way younger, of course, but this was so intriguing to me because it helped me realize the power of the internet and how the internet could change the way people look, feel, or think about themselves.
DeleteI’m interested in the narrative of digital identity. I’m not one to post on social media often, but I think that what a person shares on social media gives an insight as to whom that person is. It’s not always spot on, but it gives a general idea of who is behind the digital name. I once went to an interview where I was asked for social media accounts, I guess they wanted to make sure they were hiring the right person. If your digital identity is as important as your identity on paper, then a persons digital identity through a narrative perspective is something I would want to look at.
ReplyDeleteSandy,
ReplyDeleteNarrative is a wide open area for looking at identity in a digital world. One interesting aspect of that is that narrative tends to be linear. When we're posting to social media, I suspect we tend to think of our actions as linear. However, when we read social media, that linearity gets disjointed. I might read your post, then a post from X, then Y, then read a "sponsored" post. I might then write a post. My interaction ends up being more of a pointillist pointing than a narrative. At what point and using what methods do I then turn it into a narrative?
What do you plan to read first in your research?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI would like to look at a form or sub-form of gaming/avatars and digital identity. The avatars themselves are very interesting to me. I do not play but I love to watch my husband play, and he spends a good amount of time changing and fine tuning his avatar.
ReplyDeleteWow, look at all the stuff out there about avatars and identity:
DeleteMy Avatar, My Self: Identity in Video Role-Playing Games
May 7, 2009
by Zach Waggoner
When Mii Is Me: A Psychophysiological Examination of Avatar Self-Relevance
by Ratan, Rabindra A; Dawson, Michael
Communication Research, 12/2016, Volume 43, Issue 8
The Virtual Self: Avatar and Individual Determinants of Mood
by Wang, Ivana; Rouse, Steven V; Krumrei Mancuso, Elizabeth
Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research, 2017, Volume 22, Issue 1
Commentary: Wii and the Formation of My Avatar Identity
by Paley, Nicholas
Journal of Visual Literacy, 01/2009, Volume 28, Issue 1
Does virtual diversity matter?: Effects of avatar-based diversity representation on willingness to express offline racial identity and avatar customization
by Lee, Jong-Eun Roselyn
Computers in Human Behavior, 07/2014, Volume 36
Avatar Identity and Authenticity in the Virtual Realm
by King, Jeffrey
Get your paws off of my pixels: personal identity and avatars as self
by Graber, Mark Alan; Graber, Abraham David
Performing the Looking-Glass Self: Avatar Appearance and Group Identity in Second Life
by Martey, Rosa Mikeal; Consalvo, Mia
Nice! Can't wait to get started.
DeleteHey Rachel! I was just mentioning to Priscilla that I used to play this online game that allowed the user to create and customize an avatar and name it after yourself. I remember specifically being so surprised at the almost infinite number of ways I could arrange the hair, hair color, hair length, eye color, skin color, teeth shape, height, dress shape, size, and color, etc. There were so many possibilities for me to create, and modifying one single detail changed my entire perspective on that avatar. I think this is an interesting topic you have chosen!
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ReplyDeleteHi all. I'm interested in 2 sub-areas of interest. Perhaps you all might be able to help me narrow it down.
ReplyDeleteOne of them is digital activism/social justice in social media spaces. I feel this is multi-layered topic and go in many different directions depending on what group of people would be the main focus.
OR taking a 'new materialism' approach to the topic and discovering the algorithms that are being used that reinforce activist/SJW identities whether that be on the left side of the spectrum or the right. In other words, how algorithm set in social media spaces encourage/reinforce an individuals likes, ideologies, and identity.
The other sub-area I am interested in I something I'm not sure how to describe. It's an obscure aspect of digital identity and it has to do with memes and how/which memes you share generate opinions of your persona according to, what I like to call, "dank meme snobs."
This approach to 'hip/now' digital identity can be applied to different sub-groups of online users. Like people who watch makeup tutorials and are constantly up-to-date on the latest 'makeup challenge' and the who's who of the make-up world online.
It can also be applied to people who are watching the latest, coolest, hip-est shows on Netflix/ or other networks and then share their insights on social media, which sometimes results in show snobbery in digital spaces. The kind of "if you're not watching (INSERT PBS SPECIAL/ DOCUMENTARY/ PERIOD SERIES HERE) then I don't know what you're doing with your life."
I hope someone understands what I mean in the second one >.<
Let me know your thoughts!
You've certainly got me thinking, Nikki. I admit, I'm having a hard time connecting digital activism to identity, if when we talk about that we're talking about how identity is formed, as opposed to simply talking about activists being activists and using the internet to do so. Does the digital realm encourage us to take on certain roles? I'm not sure the research has been done in this area yet, though some are looking closely at such things as video game addiction.
ReplyDeleteThe meme idea is intriguing for two reasons. First, my own experience with memes, particularly the scores of video memes created on Instagram, are entirely performative. By performative I mean they are fictional in the same way movies are. We know, for instance, that the actors in Marvel films don't have superpowers. The question might be if those who are producing memes, particularly those in the fashion and beauty industry, are creating characters or avatars.
Hi everyone, I am excited about the class topic.
ReplyDeleteMy personal calling is working with Latinx immigrant communities so I plan to focus on digital identity in Latinx communities on social media platforms. Also, how it is used as tools of empowerment, organizing, activism, entertainment and networking.
I am still not certain on what subgroup to focus on however the literary journals/articles and books I find will help me narrow it down. So far these are my final options.
Latinx Communities in the cyberworld
•lgbtq+ issues
•immigrant rights
•BoPo (body positivity)
•undocu-Queer
Feedback is welcomed.
Hi Irving, I think the subgroup you will find a lot of new and current information will be on the lgbtq+ issues and immigrant rights. I strongly believe that these topics are very important to be analyzed in all perspectives because it is definitely something that we see on the news every single day and it will shape our history and generations.
DeleteI like that you want to mention how digital identity has helped empower, organize, activate, entertain, and network. Digital identity has definitely contributed to that because it has gotten people to be more courageous through social media and reach out to others to join in making a difference.
I believe that immigrants community topics are very important because is something that we have been seen for years and honestly, we haven’t seen too much changes in the past years. I think to focus on a Digital identity is a good way to see the subgroups differences and connections.
DeleteI am interested in digital literacy and reading literacy for ESL students, and how to integrate technology in the process of acquisition of the English language for ESL students.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in digital literacy and reading literacy for ESL students, and how to integrate technology in the process of acquisition of the English language for ESL students.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in LGBTQ digital identity and the ways in which technology has contributed to the autonomy, agency, and validity of individuals in this community.
ReplyDeleteI want to research how digital identity can relate to accessibility, disability and people with chronic illnesses. When I left to college at 18 I moved away from home but I only had one illness at the time diabetes. I didn’t yet call it a chronic illness mostly I was still trying be like everyone else. I didn’t see having diabetes part of my identity. This was also back in 2004 so this is when I was introduced to social media. I had a myspace account and facebook was still for college students only. You need a college email to sign up. 3 years later trying to keep up with others I was sicker and think not accepting that my illness was part of who I am. I didn’t take care of myself the way I should.
ReplyDeleteAs I got older and now have more chronic illness. I had to learn to accept that I have a disability and illness that affects the way I do things. That is ok to ask for help. Yet the digital world has offered me and can offer others with the same issues opportunities. I got my masters in English and Creative writing online. The online schedule offered me a way to continue my education on my own schedule and my own pace.
After I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic pain I have learned that many people even friends or family may not always want to discuss it. I have also have only met two people in real life who the illness. It was facebook and a group that joined of 10,000 women from all over the world that offered me a community. I was able to share my story, talk about the ups and down, offer advice and take advice. Also in this community we don’t have to put on this mask of I am ok, I am not in pain and I can talk to these women because they live it daily.
Also Professor Noe mentioned today over Zoom how some say social media has helped people to create a mask and image. Not a real identity. I think that is true in some cases. I think of how everything is so connected now has changed the way act in public. People comment things on the internet they would never say in public. My mom says they hid behind the screen. What shocks is the extent of how far people will go so strangers will like a post. I read an article last night about how instagram model was bit by a shark because she swam into shark infested waters to get the perfect shot for instagram. She said that her boyfriend and his parents where telling her not to. The locals where cheering her on. Yet at looked at the video all I could think was who in their right mind swims into shark infested waters? I will admit that I have thought of swimming in cage in shark infested waters but research has shown that sharks attack there too. The article has also mentioned that some people have evened died because they where trying to take a picture on a cliff and fell. So it would also be interesting to look at how does our digital identity that we create for ourselves through relationships with others shape how we act out in the world. And how that affect our teaching because I do believe that everything we have been through also shapes the type teacher we are.
Having a learning disability and how my first grade teacher treated me shaped the way that teach children church and kids in English online. My first grade teacher often treated me like trouble maker because I had trouble doing the work. She would often separate me from other kids during recess to finish my work. Also when I would ask her for help she would say she explained it once, it was her job to teach and not for me to learn. She also talked badly about me to other teachers. She tried to fail me but my mom stood up for me. Turned out I was dyslexic. This has shaped the way the treat students. Teaching online has also offered me an opportunity to teach again. With my back issues I have trouble standing for a long time, and with this opportunity I can teach kids again. What we live through shapes our identity both digitally and in the real world. I am not sure if that the right term. I guess the term is offline.
Hi all. I am torn between two sub-areas of interest.
ReplyDeleteI’m interested in story of digital identity or from what I found is sometimes called “digital storytelling” mainly because it is safe, and I figure I can find enough information on the topic. It would also be easy to embed into my curriculum this coming school year. So, I can put into practice with my fourth grade students what I found on this particular topic.
I’m also interested in digital identity and how it is masked through false perceptions. Yes, feel free to let me know that topic is too pre-teen. I thought about it because of my teenage girls and that MTV series CATFISH. I have sometimes indulged in a few episodes. I found it interesting how digital identity was defined and then compared it to all these people online pretending to assume a digital identity. For example, people on social media and a lot of their false “storylines”.
I’m hopeful to be on the right track with my two-sub areas of interest.
Maria, I really like the "digital storytelling" idea because as a teacher, I have gone to trainings where they have spoken about online storytelling. I'll try to find the website and add the link on here. Perhaps you have already heard of it, or perhaps it has nothing to do with the "digital storytelling" you are referring to, but it is worth a try.
Deletehttps://www.storylineonline.net/
DeleteHi Maria! I am in the same boat that you are in. I believe researching narrative and digital identity would be applicable to my role as an educator, so I may choose that sub-area of interest. However, I am also torn with researching a sub-area that I am not familiar with.
DeleteThanks Sofia, For atttatching the link. I appreciate it!
DeleteI'm having a very hard time even trying to still decide which sub area of interest I will be taking on. I am not sure if I want to study the type of role/identity a student/scholar/researcher/learner takes on when browsing the web or internet to learn, or if I want to focus the digital identity of a teacher, specifically middle school Writing teacher and how we use the web to create and combine things we learn to teach them in various way to the kids. If this is a vague or general topic, or you may think I can expand this topic and make it more interesting/specific, please, I welcome your feedback.
ReplyDeleteI am also considering focusing on TED Talks. I love listening to TED Talks, and I think it would be exciting to research the ways in which TED speakers take on a certain digital identity and how that helps them deliver speeches.
DeleteI worked with high school sophomores that were part of a TED ED club and I was able to see that some of them changed their persona when they extended their research and got behind camera or posted on social media about their topic. Not sure if this is even a possible topic, but it is something I am willing to work with and shape it.
Anyone with feedback is welcome.
Hey guys, so I have been able to consider my topic and tune it to fit my area of interest. I will be focusing on TED Talks. I am trying to find a pattern that will help me theorize why people listen and learn from TED Talks. What drives people to create TED Talks? What drives people to listen to them? How do people choose which TED Talk to listen to and learn from? My focus on identity will be on the curious and questioning mind of a continuous and self-directed learner.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in how does being bilingual affect a person’s identity or the connection between language and identity for bilingual writers. As a bilingual teacher, I really believe that bilingual students build different identities according to the languages that they have to speak or write.
ReplyDeleteI've changed my mind about my sub-area of interest. At first, I thought I would be interested in the relationship between social networks and Composition and Rhetoric studies, but social media is a very broad area, so I chose to focus on the connection between digital literacy/multimodal composition to identity. I am interested in learning how teachers can encourage students to compose in various modes (creating a course wiki, composing video narratives, etc.). At this point, I am not exactly sure what the connection is between digital identity and digital composition, but I will be looking for sources that can help me answer this question. Every kind of writing, traditional (paper-based) or non-traditional (integrating technology) creates a specific audience and adheres to certain discursive and rhetorical conventions. I will be looking at how digital literacy and multimodal composition emerge from students' knowledge of technology.
ReplyDeleteKarina, your topic interests me so much already, and I cannot wait for you to share what you have found! I teach Writing to middle schoolers so I am curious to know what you have found in connection to digital identity. Good luck!! Great topic!!
DeleteSophia, I'm trying to figure out the connection that exists between digital identity and multimodal composition. I know there's some kind of connection, and it probably has to do with embodiment. What I mean by embodiment is that students compose on their digital devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) and I think that the connection to identity exists here.
Delete