Course Overview
Week 9 (October 29 - November 4) focuses on the concept of cyber identity and the role of chatrooms in shaping online personas. This module explores how virtual spaces allow individuals to mold their identities without boundaries and examines whether these dynamics are specific to Western/First World cultures or also hold true in Indigenous contexts.
Required Readings
- Rheingold, Howard. A Slice of Life in My Virtual Community. Published in 1992, this piece explores early online communities and their social dynamics. (Note: Written a decade before 2002, it remains a foundational text.)
- Neuage, Terrell. Case Study One: Conversational Analysis of Chatroom Talk. A PhD thesis analyzing discourse in chatrooms, offering insights into digital communication patterns.
- Suler, John. The Psychology of Avatars and Graphical Space in Multimedia Chat Communities. This article examines how avatars influence identity and interaction in virtual spaces.
Task: Critically analyze two of the above readings. Discuss how chatrooms create a space where individuals can shape their identities freely and whether these readings apply primarily to Western/First World cultures or also to Indigenous cultures.
Group Discussion (Thursday)
Engage in a group discussion addressing the following:
- What are the downsides and positives of cyber identity in online communities?
- Are relationships formed in cyberspace authentic?
- How do chatrooms facilitate identity transformation?
Activity: In groups, discuss how your group will approach these questions. Rotate groups if necessary to ensure diverse perspectives.
Contact Information
Dr. Terrell Neuage
University of South Australia
Adelaide, Australia
@neuage on Twitter