Flexible - Fixed Continuum

Fixed & flexible networks/ fixed & flexible selves


Whether online or offline, we all have an identity or maybe multiple identities. Within networked spaces, this identity is influenced by the way we perceive these networked spaces: fixed or flexible. This sense of flexibility or fixedness is based on anonymity, stability and corporality of identity. Flexible networks, for instance, are more anonymous, less corporeal and less stable. People are thus more able to present an identity or multiple identities that are to a lesser extent in line with their offline identity. Often identities in fully flexible networks are disconnected from the embodied self and from any of the connections that know parts of the identity of the embodied self. Allowing individuals to experiment with different parts of their identity and their self-presentation. However, concerns about the anonymity of the internet are raised, as people are able to deceive others or act upon suppressed identities. On the other side, flexible networks provide people with an opportunity to present their true self. 

While on the other hand, fixed networks are essentially based on corporeal connections and are thus less anonymous and more stable. These networks make it more difficult for its users to create an identity that is inconsistent with their real self as perceived by their network. People are essentially embedded in a network of individuals who know their ‘real’ identity, potentially pressuring people into presenting themselves according to this ‘real’ identity. There is a need for coherence which leads to a rigid identity and therefore discourages people to present multiple facets of their identity. However, this leads to people believing information posted by others about us, over information posted by ourselves, as this may be believed to be more authentic.

- Demi Geurtsen

Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 8, 2018 at 7:40 PM

    Demi,

    I found your summary and description of fixed and flexible networks to be very clear and concise! I like how you briefly touched on the possible implications of fixed and flexible networks, both positive and negative. It pushed me to analyze my own relationship with these networks and the ways in which they have benefitted me as well as hindered me.

    I couldn't agree more that flexible networks are great in the way that they allow certain individuals to thrive by experimenting with different parts of their identity; the medium allows us to be anyone we want. However, as you mentioned, anonymity does make it possible for people to be deceptive and to hide behind a screen and say things the would never say in a fixed network. Anonymity on the internet is such a double-edged sword!

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  2. Alessia PerriconeFebruary 9, 2018 at 8:52 AM

    Demi,

    I agree with your views on the topic at hand. I agree that flexible networks allow individuals to explore their identity and find new ways to express themselves. Although anonymity allows one to hide their personality, I feel that the act of hiding oneself goes to show that even people online feel like they cannot express their true self.

    Overall, your paragraphs were kept very clear and made it easy to follow along. Your views are strong and to the point.

    - Alessia Perricone

    ReplyDelete
  3. CharlyFebruary 9, 2018 at 8:53 AM

    Demi,

    Your summary was full of absorbing details and information! I found it interesting that you included both negative and positive qualities of fixed and flexible networks. I like how you touched on the idea that we develop a different persona or "embodied self" on the internet than our actual identity/self. But not only are some posting false/altered information, but i found it enlightening that some people use the internet as a chance to "experiment with different parts of their identity and their self-presentation"

    Good job! opened my eye to a different perspective on social media!

    -Charly Zuk

    ReplyDelete

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