To what degree do these sites replace or complement offline

[mstern]

Here is an issue I think about often. For some poeple, there are differences between the identities that they create on-line (through the on-line networking sites) and their "true"-selves. Goffman certainly would have loved this (frontstage, backstage, virtual stage).

While we have all seen examples of relations on network cites transcending to off-line relationships (as well as in the reverse order), the question is this: To what extent does the definition of self need to reflect reality in order for on-line relationships to move offline?

[SarahNicole]

That's a question I'm definitely interested in, and I've discussed it some in previous work, and am working on a paper to submit to Symbolic Interaction that deals with these issues more directly...[/i]

[mstern]

I would love to see that paper. I just completed a large randam sample mail survey but it was more about demographics (who uses IT for what) than about collecting soc. psych variables (co-authors had no interest).

I want to do a follow up survey that deals more specifically with on-line reflected appraisals and your paper would certainly help, I think.

[SarahNicole]

It's in very rough and incomplete form at present, and is based on ethnographic data, so it's small and such. But drop me an email, and I will forward it...

[netwoman]

i like this term - virtual stage and to me it's a combination of the front and back stage....
i would have to ask what reality? i mean some people would argue that we are constantly in the front stage - and that the back stage doesnt really exist (even when we are alone we are still performing something) - and really there are just different 'set changes' for the front stage.

so in terms of "To what extent does the definition of self need to reflect reality in order for on-line relationships to move offline?" i might argue that there are various definitions of self, and some of these might work in both online and offline spaces...but yes, which ones work most effectively....?

[mstern]

You are absolutely right, I have overstated the issue a bit, I think.

We are always on stage; however, there are times that we have more “liberty” to define ourselves. Specifically, we have this liberty when the audience will never really know our history or other networks. For example, when one moves to a new city/town, starts a new school, or joins a new network where there are not old, pervasive network connections. I suspect that in (or on) the virtual stage one may have a lot more “room” to create a self than in person.

Thanks for the comment!

[SarahNicole]