Response to: Lucy Hanigan's, Computer Mediated Communication

Lucy, at one point in your post you said, “It is interesting to see first-hand how people manipulate their identities through CMC, like Facebook with the intention of creating a “socially desirable self”.  I too am fascinated by online identities and the potential for people to appear differently online then they would naturally in real person.  CMC has provided so much opportunity for our modern world, making it possible for us to be part of an online global village. Facebook, and other online outlets, make it possible for interaction over time and space, eliminating the need for face-to-face interaction. Although this has primarily been a positive thing; such as, allowing people to communicate with others when they cannot physically be together, there are also negative aspects to CMC outlets. As mentioned above, CMC outlets give people the opportunity to manipulate their identities in order to appear the way they want to. This can be harmless in certain situations; for instance, a teenager who prefers to come across as cool and popular, rather than nerdy. However, there are also opportunities for people with the wrong intention to appear differently than they truly are. This aspect of CMC presents a risk to all those who participate in online interactions. It is important to be mindful of ‘who is on the other side’, and to be aware of how you are presenting yourself, and the information you are voluntarily giving to others.