An Anonymous Identity Through Online Social Media...

MDIA 103 Final Essay Name: Fiona Jessup Student Number: 300355186 Tutor: Richard Shepherd Due Date: June 15, 2015 Word Count: 2257 Research Question: â€Å"Why are people, particularly college and high school students, so attracted to the idea of constructing an anonymous identity through online social media platforms, like Yik Yak?† Online social networks have become increasingly populated arenas for much of today’s population, especially with regards to high school and college students. Networks such as Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Vine, Twitter, etc., enable users to create an identity and present it to others by allowing them to share various aspects of their lives. Because individuals select their own content, the resulting representation can be either a true or imaginative reflection of the user. The attitudes, perspectives, behaviours and actions each individual chooses to present, shape their identity within the social media universe. Like most other web-based content, the pursuit of authenticity is assumed to be at the heart of these social media networks, playing an impor tant role in our online interactions and our decisions about what web content we believe to be reliable. But, what about when the network structure allows users to create, post, and interact with anonymous identities? Anonymity eliminates the need decipher authenticity, however, it creates an issue by protecting the negative actions of empowered users. Why are people, particularly college and highShow MoreRelatedBullying Vs Cyber Bullying Essay2021 Words   |  9 Pagescyberbullying is quickly becoming more common than the traditional playground bullying, as more social media are appealing to teens. Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens using electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and tablets. This form of bullying includes spreading rumours, sending mean and hurtful messages and sharing embarrassing videos or photos. Cyberbullying over social media has become extremely easy for bullies to victimize other teenagers affecting the victim’s mental