Baym, references " pure relationships" as a relationship or a shared connection with another person online, made possible by one of a SNS community;this is the alternative to a face-to-face meeting. How pure is the relationship if or both are in la-la land, living out some fantasy.
Turkle's, "Aspects of Self", gives a very alarming perspective, of SNS communities, alone with detailed real life scenarios. The world is changing because of information technology so rapidly and how we interact with each other is at the forefront. Yes, people do pretend to be someone else and yes, I feel the Internet, alone with the MOO's and MUD's communities are where some the performances take place. Where as, watching the news and crime shows, really bring things to life. Personally, because of my background in IT, I have always handled the Internet with a "long handle spoon". I mean it's as trusting and reliable to us as the person's waiting to respond, especially in the SNS communities.
The blog that I am following is very informative by Dr. Melody McCloud who is a contributor for "Psychology Today" and several television magazines. Her profile list various credits and accolades obtained during her career. Nothing or any information seems questionable. I'm sure there's a possibility that her photo may need updating :)
I think you pointing out how to handle the internet "with a long handled spoon" is really important. We connect with other people on social networks and other sites but it is basically the receiving in where the information has to be filtered. This meaning that the receiver is really the one in charge of what he is and is not going to believe because at the the end of the day anyone can be anything online and that isn't going to change.
ReplyDeleteI think the emphasis is on the word 'pure'. Assuming no pictures of the individual are posted, your relationship is based on what the user portrays online in written words and you are not influenced by visual clues you might get that would subconsciously influence your perception of the user.
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