There are many reproaches that are commonly used online between people when someone might not be conforming to society's norms and standards. Some of these include reporting unnecessary pictures that find their way onto websites such as Facebook, using administrators on websites that have the power to suspend members if they act incorrectly, or warning people who act inappropriately while chatting (perhaps on AIM or in chat room).
Two online reproach episodes I've chosen to discuss for this assignment include blocking buddies from AIM Buddylists and reporting inappropriate photos on Facebook. I know that I've blocked users on AIM before, whether it was because a screename I didn't recognize IMed me and began to bother me or perhaps because, in those awkward middle school drama-filled years, a friend annoyed me for a split second and I felt it necessary to punish him or her. In regards to reporting Facebook pictures, I have a friend that had some reported because they contained some content that many did not approve of (even though many of our friend found it extremely comical).
People can usually tell when they're blocked online, and after issues are resolved, or the joke is over with, they can be unblocked and continue with their online social lives. As for Facebook, my friend was strictly warned and she took down the pictures and hasn't posted anything like it since. It seems as though she has learned her lesson.
I think that the Deindividuation Effect can be related to both of these instances. I think that being online can make people feel anonymous. For example, on Facebook, I think people feel anonymous to everyone except the people they are friends with. Therefore, they feel as though they can do things (such as posting pictures) because they think no one will really notice or care. They don't feel as though they're part of a group (for example, people may not post risque photos in a smaller group they belong to within Facebook because they think feel commitment to the other members and hold respect for them). This is the same with people who have screenames. Since many only talk to those who are on their buddylist, if someone else is IMed, they think that they are anonymous - at least until they reveal who they are.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment