How Do I Look… Online

The detachment of physical connection is probably one of the reasons people enjoy Social Media a lot. The chance to type our interactions instead of physically doing so gives you a sense of freedom. Like this blog. My opinion is voiced without interruption, determent or fear of rebuttal. I’m just writing what I feel. Although, if I felt what I wrote was too offensive, stupid or not creative enough that’s what the backspace button is for.

Writing your reactions instead of doing it, is a lot more fun, easier and controlled. There is more thinking involved than instinctive behaviour.

How should I reply to this? How would it make me look?

In chat rooms, phone text, instant messaging and emailing we can edit the way we communicate that we wouldn't do speaking. We can type our  mannerisms. E.g. *kisses my teeth*, *rolls eyes*.

Typing the action *hugs* in reply to someone may not be what you would do if the situation would arise physically. Even to type “LOL” there would probably be a chance we wouldn’t really laugh out in that situation. Tone and language is subjective and is based on constant interpretation by the user to see how they are getting along socially with someone.


“Users can create an avatar that looks very much like themselves in terms of both physical appearance and dress. But they can also experiment with very different identities” (Gasser & Palfrey, 2008 Born Digital, pg 29)

The option to change how you look, interact and appear to others on the internet is exciting. You can create a whole new identity and if you don’t like it you have the option to delete and start over. It’s a lot more than you can do in real life. It’s fun too. The lines may blur and people can begin to easily get sucked into the online world.

Users who see the perks of virtual life can see the advantages of joining a community. A large fan base who share your common interests, the ability to say and do whatever you like without consequence. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? Your account may be deleted or suspended. It’s definitely a lot nicer than being ostracised if you were to say the wrong thing in true life.

You can create an avatar that isn’t even in human form. Perhaps you may choose an animal, and you may act like that every time you interact with someone. I’ve seen it happen. Someone changed their avatar into a sheep and wrote “bahhh” in its conversations.

The last virtual game I played was on ‘Habbo Hotel’ when I was about fifteen. I consistently changed my hairstyles, clothes, skin-tone even gender. Whatever fit the mood. Every changed look led me to change my personality as well. The way I expressed myself in my physical life was not the same as I interacted in the virtual world.

Everything intensifies on the internet. If you feel like a loser in your physical life and your Facebook shows you only have 50 friends or on Twitter you have five followers does it reinforce your negative ideologies.

Facebook “helps you connect and share with the people in your life” what if it’s doing the opposite?
Is the way we express ourselves online different to how we act physically? Is there an undiscovered part of ourselves we didn’t realise we have deep down. Maybe you know how to successfully express your true self the same as your virtual self.

The virtual world knows no limitations but the human body does. Maybe that's why people prefer using social media more than ever now to connect.