Publics, Norms, and Self-Presentation in Digital Media

Unmediated Publics:

Face-to-face interaction, clear boundaries, defined audience.

Mediated Publics:

Through media, audiences are undefined.

Networked Publics:

Online publics shaped by digital networks.

Persistence:

Content lasts over time.

Searchability:

Content can be found easily.

Replicability:

Content can be copied and shared.

Invisible Audiences:

People can view content without your awareness.

Social Norms:

Unwritten rules of behavior.

Norms vary by identity and between groups.

Norms influence how people behave.

Fraping:

Unauthorized posting or editing of someone else's social media account.

Violates trust and can harm reputation.

History of Mediated Dating: Shift from face-to-face to technology-based dating (apps, ads, matchmaking).

Profile as Promise: A profile sets expectations of who someone claims to be.

Profile as Idealized Self: A polished, best-version presentation of oneself.

Motivations for Accuracy:

Build trust, form real connections, avoid being exposed.

Motivations for Misrepresentation:

Appear more attractive, gain matches, compete.

Moral Framework of Self-Presentation:

Unwritten rules about what is acceptable vs. deceptive online.

Being Public:

Intentionally sharing content for others to see.

Being In Public:

Being visible in public without intent to share or broadcast.