l5 : social media and virtual communities

Question 1

what is social media?

Answer 1

refers to any form of digitally based platform used for making or developing social networks which have a global reach

Question 2

what are virtual communities?

Answer 2

examples of communities that exist online or virtually, whereby a person can adopt a new or different identity and live out their life different in a “fantasy cyber world”

Question 3

how does social media show qualities of a postmodern society?

Answer 3

allows users to personalise their page, reflecting increased individualism

Question 4

what is netiquette?

Answer 4

increased online communication led to emergence of new norms and values, outlining how people should behave in online communication situations

Question 5

what did holmes (2011) say?

Answer 5

do not mix business with pleasure.

as in the real world, social status differences online between teachers and students were seen as problematic and potentially embarrassing.

Question 6

what are the possible negative effects of people using new forms of social media?

Answer 6

• more types of crime (cybercrime, identity theft, fraud)
• self - esteem issues
• addiction

Question 7

what are the possible positive effects of people using new forms of social media?

Answer 7

• easier to make connections - virtual communities
• good for businesses (marketing, advertising etc.)
• find shared interests

Question 8

who conducted research on “second life”?

Answer 8

boellstorff

Question 9

what is the purpose of the online virtual world of “second life”?

Answer 9

• have a feeling of togetherness and community
• create an identity to express themselves
• entertainment

Question 10

what did boellstorff’s research on “second life” raise questions about?

Answer 10

moral regulation of communication online. realised that laws and policies are long way from being able to regulate and punish deviant behaviour.