This week’s class discussion focused on the theorization of identity perfomativity and privileging, concepts stemming from David Bell’s article, “Identities in Cyberspace” (2001). These concepts were discussed in the context of new media, specifically discussing the social networking applications Facebook and Twitter. Online identity performance occurs when an individual creates a profile or website online and has the opportunity to create an online persona of themselves. In this setting one can present themselves in a respectable and decent manner. Individual’s can choose attractive photos, provide accurate or embellished information, leave out information or flaunt certain aspects of their lives. While identity privileging occurs when an individual only allows certain aspects of their identity to be released to a select group of people online. For example, on Facebook a user can choose what information is shown to certain people by creating a limited profile.
With the high popularity of Facebook and other online applications rising in recent years a great deal of media attention has been focused on the effects of these applications. One article taken from CBC, “The Facebook generation: Changing the meaning of privacy” (2007) written by Sabrina Saccoccio, discusses the younger generation’s openness to expressing themselves online using social networking sites. Facebook profiles are updated daily where one has created a fluid identity as users have the ability to change their information at anytime. According to Saccoccio the Facebook generation has become obsessed with the image, where they are now always aware of how they look on an outing with friends as a camera is usually on hand. Average outings with friends have now become identity performance opportunities. This is because when people go out with friends there is a necessity to look good and watch what you do as the photos will be added to Facebook and will then become part of one’s projected online identity. There is a notion now to always be aware of one’s online identity in one’s real life identity. People are no longer living in the moment, but performing and acting for photos that will be posted on Facebook. Saccoccio also raises issues about identity privileging. People are suddenly wary of being friends with co-workers online because it then blends one’s private and work life together, giving co-workers an insight into one’s private life (para. 27). As one Facebook user explains,
If you're like me, I only accept a certain select few people I have a history with and who are actually friends — people I see on a regular basis. That's why I think it is OK to put some of the pictures up that I have (para. 28)
Here we see an example of identity privileging on Facebook, a user acknowledging she does not want everyone on Facebook to know all of her information or be able to see all her photos. Privileging certain information about her to a select group of individuals.
As issues of identity performance and privileging have been discussed in the news, one can also find representations in other media. Ex Machina: The First Hundred Days (Vaughan, 2004) is a graphic novel that reflects issues surrounding identity performativity and privileging. The Great Machine is a superhero who can control machines with his mind. He eventually comes to a crossroad with his secret identity, privileging only two close confidants with his true identity, he makes the decision to create real change in the city and run for mayor, thus exposing the man behind the Great Machine and leaving his secret identity behind. Here one can see the concept of identity privileging as a necessary part of the Great Machine’s life, but eventually becoming problematic to his real identity as he had to make the choice between two identities. As the Great Machine Mitchell Hundred was able to live life as a vigilante and play the part of the superhero behind the mask because he had the stage, props, scripts and cues that enable Mitchell to play this part for New York City (Bell, 2001). It is only in New York City in his superhero outfit and jetpack that Mitchell can give the performance of the Great Machine, just as users online can only perform their manipulated identity online as in reality all is exposed.
In conclusion, by looking at examples of where identity performativity and privileging appear in new media such as on Facebook and Ex Machina: The First Hundred Days one can see how the issue of performativity and privileging has became an inherent concept and task for new media users. Identities in cyberspace are problematic because they are usually altered from one’s identity in reality, viewing someone’s Facebook profile may give you different information than meeting someone face-to-face. It is necessary to remember identities are always evolving, some aspects are stable and others fluid. For example, I will always be a sister and a daughter even when my family dies people I encounter who knew my family will identify me as a daughter and sister. While on the other hand my interests, location, friends and job will change through the years and alter my identity. New media suggests that people can shape and reshape their identities. The consequences are unknown of a changeable identity, it will be interesting to see how the concept of online identities evolve and what affects it brings upon users, will identity privileging become problematic as it did for the Great Machine? Or will users cease to perform and privilege identities online?
Check out the CBC article at the below link.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/tech/facebook-generation.html
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