MIGRAIN: Representing ourselves - identity in the online age

1) Read the article and summarise each section in one sentence, starting with the section 'Who are you?'

who are you?

we are all involved in constructing an image to communicate our identity, there is a difference between the person we are and what we want to be.

I think therefore I am

how we perceive ourselves and how we present ourselves is based on social construct, our identity have been based around the aspects outside our selves : class, gender , age and predetermined roles.

The rise of the individual 

Notion of individualism started to take action in the 1960s. Second half of 20th century people wanted to express their uniqueness.

From Citizen to consumer

The consumer Boom based on convincing instead of what they need, it was about what they wanted.

Branding and lifestyle

Branding is the association of a ‘personality’ with a product. Advertisers sell the personality rather than the product, so that people will choose products that match their own self-image. 

2) List three brands you are happy to be associated with and explain how they reflect your sense of identity.

Nike/Tower Gate/ Samsung

The brands I used often therefore I associate myself with them cause they create my identity.

3) Do you agree with the view that modern media is all about 'style over substance'? What does this expression mean?

Style over substance is when you chose a product according to the way it looks rather then how it functions. The media does try to encourage looks over function because it is easier to portray the product.

4) Explain Baudrillard's theory of 'media saturation' in one paragraph. You may need to research it online to find out more.

5) Is your presence on social media an accurate reflection of who you are? Have you ever added or removed a picture from a social media site purely because of what it says about the type of person you are?

Social media allows you to create your own identity and choose what part of the identity you wish to display to the outer world however not everyone's social account accurately reflect who they are
6) What is your opinion on 'data mining'? Are you happy for companies to sell you products based on your social media presence and online search terms? Is this an invasion of privacy?

Data mining is the invasion of our personal data and I believe its wrong because big companies don't deserve to steal our information from us for advertisement

1) What is collective identity? Write your own definition in as close to 50 words as possible.

A ‘collective’ identity is one that is primarily based around a collection of individuals who share a set of

traditions, values and a similar understanding of the world that surrounds them. In the example of the British people, this could suggest that the majority of the population believe in democracy and freedom of the

press, ideals which have traditionally been woven into the history of the British people.

2) Complete the task on the factsheet (page 1) - write a list of as many things as you can think of that represent Britain. What do they have in common? Have you represented the whole of Britain or just one aspect/viewpoint?

Fish and chips

tea

ello

how are you

sorry

shopping trolley 

off licence

3) How does James May's Top Toys offer a nostalgic representation of Britain?

The presenter is 48 year old James May and, as such, the programme

attracts an older demographic of people. This is reflected in the

choice of toys which James May examines. Airfix, Meccano,

Plasticine, Lego, Scalextric and Hornby are all toys of his youth and

that of the targeted demographic of 30+ males.

4) How has new technology changed collective identity?

In other words, technology has enabled people to actively engage

with the content of the culture around them and then go on to use

it as resources for their own cultural productions.

5) What phrase does David Gauntlett (2008) use to describe this new focus on identity? 

‘pay closer attention to the ways in which media and technologies are

used in everyday life’.

6) How does the Shaun of the Dead Facebook group provide an example of Henry Jenkins' theory of interpretive communities online?

The Shaun of the dead Facebook group provides an example for Henry Jerkins' theory as the whole idea of his theory was that because onf jnew technology people can now make their own cultural productions via things like YouTube and Facebook etc. The recognition of ‘Hey, I also learnt that word!’ means fans from around the world can then share their experience of watching the film and supporting the identity created within it.