Performing on the Online Stage

The online world provides access to an endless amount of virtual platforms to facilitate communication and interaction in a private or public setting. But what happens when the line between public and private blurs? Should we be acting in a way that we would not normally behave?

The concept of the 'glass bedroom' was introduced by Pearson (2009) and basically "describes a bedroom with walls made of glass." Within those walls intimate conversations occur and our online performance comes into play. The way we depict our online personalities and image on social networking sites can encourage other users to engage or disengage. Online, we are able to create a more sociable, confident and outspoken image of ourselves in order to entertain our virtual audience. 

Our audience can range from family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers. Although communicating online reduces face-to-face interaction, sometimes it is beneficial in creating and maintaining online relationships without the awkwardness of 'getting to know' someone via more traditional methods. What makes it easier is that users are able to cease interaction whenever they choose and once again avoiding the awkwardness of 'letting someone down.' The glass bedroom has become a norm in today's society and although some may find this 'anti-social' others see it as a networking tool. 

Reference List 

Pearson, E. 2009. "All the World Wide Web's a Stage: The performance of identity in online social   networks." First Monday 14 (3). Accessed March 14, 2011. http://blackboard.qut.edu.au