In an article entitled “Looking Toward Cyberspace: Beyond Grounded Sociology” written by Sherry Turkle and published in the Contemporary Sociology, the author asserted the expression and representation of the self as virtually multiple and flexible . As such, Turkle indicated the purpose of the discourse as focusing on a particular element of online life, as well as exploring its impact on the identity: the “creation and projection of constructed personae into virtual space” . The author finally contended that despite cyberspace’s leading opportunity for alleged identity play, those who maximize the chance to assume multiple personae benefit most from the experience.
In its entirety, the article presented information which validated the ability of the computer to provide opportunities for people to assume seemingly varied identities, depending on preferences, purposes, or discoveries of oneself. There were strengths in terms of structure and language used in the discourse. The structure used by Turkle to present the essential points was effective through the use of highlighted headings that separated different topics of discussion: from an explanation of the virtual personae to discussing how cyberspace evolved as an innovative medium to assume various roles that optimizes identity play. Moreover, the author used vocabulary and language that caters to the understanding of the general public; avoiding jargons and defining terms such as multiplicity, moratorium, and identity, among others. In addition, it was commendable that the author cited clear examples through citing experiences of individuals, like Case and personal proficiencies on navigating through cyberspace to validate
given contentions on the opportunity to assume varied identities online.
Concurrently, it was interesting to note that, despite the article being published 17 years ago, the accuracy of establishing prospects for unearthing diverse personae was simply remarkable. The author also supported contentions from eleven authoritative sources, predominantly books. However, a closer evaluation of the sources generated three (3) or 27% of the references were published more than 10 years prior to the article’s date of publication, which could diminish the reliability and veracity of the cited information. Likewise, since the internet was still it its growing stage, the apparent lack of clear association to social networking cites seemed to diminish the clarity of establishing varied personae in ‘virtual communities’ . One could also assert that the decision to play with identities was magnified through the ability of the online medium to protect personal identify and retain strict confidentiality of information. However, it is also affirmed that despite the decision to play around with one’s identity and assume diverse virtual personae, the real or knowing self still continues to exude the personality through characteristics and traits that have been ingrained through time.
In sum, Turkle had aptly communicated the ability of the online medium to play around and exhibit varied identities which span time, distance, and space. People might or might not consciously be aware of the potentials for exhibiting multiplicity and flexibility in assuming diverse personae; yet, at the end, one is convinced that it is the fact that people take on varied roles in life contribute to the diversity in perceived identities. Moreover, the natural tendencies to imagine undertaking roles or identities that could not possibly happen in real life was observed as potentially possible in cyberspace due to the retention of privacy. One hereby agrees with the concluding remarks that reality is indeed complex at its spans both the computer and psychoanalytic culture.
Work Cited
Turkle, Sherry. "Looking Toward Cyberspace: Beyond Grounded Sociology." Contemporary Sociology (1999): 643-648. Print.
