the effects if global digital communications on identity

affinity groups

Groups of people who connect online because they share the same interests, values, or hobbies (e.g. fandoms, gaming communities).

aspirational photos

Images people post that show an idealised or “perfect” version of their life, often to impress others or gain approval, showing themselves in elite clothes and fancy cars etc

auto biographical

Content (posts, photos, videos) that is based on a person’s own life and personal experiences.

compare and despair

when people compare themselves to others online (often idealised images) and feel worse about their own life or appearance.

curated identity

The idea that people carefully select and control what they share online to create a specific image of themselves.

digitally enhanced photos

Images that have been edited using filters or software to improve appearance (e.g. smoothing skin, changing body shape).

gaming disorder

A condition where someone excessively plays video games to the point it negatively affects their daily life, health, or relationships

goldilocks effect

the idea that everyone things, including ones social media presence, to be ‘just right’, exp editing photos before posting them, we can’t edit spots or bad hair in real life, so online is be seen as increasingly seen as safer and reassuring

immediate gratification

The desire to get quick rewards or pleasure instantly, such as likes, comments, or notifications on social media

prosumers

People who are both producers and consumers of media content (e.g. creating TikToks while also watching others)

problem solving

Using digital tools or online spaces to find solutions, share knowledge, or work through issues (e.g. forums, tutorials).

tide of the amateur

The idea that the internet allows ordinary people (non-professionals) to create and share content, challenging traditional experts and media producers. diluting the quality of things like journalism, music etc, exp - amateur dancers get more likes on tin Tok than national ballet dancers

trancend identity constrains

The ability to go beyond limitations of identity (e.g. gender, class, ethnicity) online, by presenting yourself differently or anonymously