Dear Nicole Ellison,
I love how you described the online
dating arena as this place of opportunity for people to practice
impression formation and adapt self-presentation strategies. I feel
like the negative stigma that was once attached to online dating has
definitely decreased in this generation because it has become
“normal” for people to have relationships online. People used to
think that others tried to seek for companionship online because they
were desperate and unable to find relationships in the real world,
but the “ubiquitous access to the Internet, the diminished social
stigma associated with online dating, and the affordable cost of
Internet matchmaking services” contribute to the increasingly
common perception that online dating is a viable, efficient way to
meet dating or long-term relationship partners. “The use of online
dating or online personals services has evolved from a marginal to a
mainstream social practice.” When considering relationships online,
I think a person has to consider the Utopian potential that the
Internet holds for our relationships, that we can meet new people and
form rewarding new relationships; however, one must be concerned that
the people we meet online cannot be trusted and may even be
dangerous. Like you, Nancy Baym believes that the Internet has
brought to all of its users the possibility of forming relationships
that transcend space. So without doubt, the issues that shake people
the most about forming relationships online center on identity. Baym
asks, “When people's bodies aren't visible, will people lie about
who they are? Can they be known? Can they be trusted? Can the
relationships they form be valid?” And I think the answer to that
would be, you really don't know. People online can manipulate
language through self-disclosure. Self-disclosure is indispensable in
turning strangers into relational partners and to maintaining ongoing
relationships. You and Baym both touch upon the notion that strategic
management is essential to shaping the impressions others form of us,
“to convey an impression to others which it is in his interests to
convey.” Especially when interacting with strangers, people tend to
engage in self-enhancement because they are starting with a blank
slate.
Sincerely,
Clara
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