Context Collapse

What is context collapse?

The phenomenon where technology flattens multiple audiences into one, affecting how we express our identities.

Who coined the term 'context collapse'?

Danah Boyd in her 2008 research.

What are the implications of context collapse on identity?

It becomes harder to perform identity for all audiences simultaneously.

What are 'affordances' in the context of technology?

Characteristics of technologies that encourage or discourage certain actions.

How do smartphones contribute to context collapse?

They allow users to record and share content easily, merging different audience contexts.

What is the significance of 'persistence' in social media?

The idea that content on the internet is permanent and does not disappear.

What does 'scalability' refer to in social media?

The potential for content to go viral and reach many audiences quickly.

How does 'searchability' impact social media interactions?

Users can search for anything and find anyone, collapsing audience boundaries.

What are 'frontstage' and 'backstage' identity performances?

Frontstage refers to public posts visible to all, while backstage is the private self not shown to audiences.

What challenges do invisible audiences present on social media?

Users must navigate the uncertainty of who their audience is, affecting communication.

What strategies can users employ to navigate invisible audiences?

Self-censorship, monitoring information, and segmenting audiences through privacy settings.

What is the role of profiles in social media?

Profiles help users present themselves to others and manage audience expectations.

How do feeds contribute to context collapse?

They provide endless access to information, merging different contexts and audiences.

What is the value of understanding context collapse?

It helps individuals navigate their identity expression and communication in a digital landscape.

How does digital technology affect audience interaction?

It collapses different audiences, making communication more complex.

What is the impact of social media on identity expression?

Social media influences how individuals perform and present their identities to various audiences.

What are some methods for tailoring performances to different audiences?

Using alternative profiles, private messaging, and adjusting privacy settings.

What does Alice Marwick research?

The social, political, and cultural implications of social media technologies.

What is the relationship between media and culture?

Media impacts culture by shaping how identities are expressed and how audiences interact.

What does the term 'digital technology' encompass?

Technologies like social media that collapse different audience contexts.