David Roedl

I recently read an inspiring article by Jeffrey and Shaowen Bardzell from Sept/Oct issue of interactions magazine. The first part of the piece examines the nature of avatars, or digital representations of self. The authors point out that avatars are increasingly important as the interface element through which users interact in online applications, ranging from profiles on Facebook to 3D characters used in virtual worlds like Second Life. Drawing on Goffman and Turkel, the Bardzells make some strong points about the relationship between avatar and user identity. Continue reading ‘Performing Identity on Facebook’

As a new President takes office, the online world is full of speculation about the future of Internet policy in America. Hopes are high, given that President Obama is considered to the most tech-savvy political candidate to date; in fact many are touting him as the first politician to really get the nature of web 2.0. A recent memo from John Horrigan of the PEW Internet project offers Obama some thought-provoking suggestions for technology policy that are motivated by an interesting analysis of the evolution of internet use. Continue reading ‘User-centered Internet Policy’

As is often the case regarding new technology, early research about social networking sites (SNS’s) has tended to lean towards either one of two extremes. On one side, utopist techno-enthusiasts predict that SNS’s will enable a more connected, democratic, and productive society. And on the other end, alarmist critics assert that MySpace is eroding the social morality of the Generation Y. For me, both perspectives often seem out of touch from the actual experience of using applications like Facebook or LinkedIn. In contrast, Ellison, Stamp & Steinfiel’s recent article in interactions presents a positive, but realistic description of online social networking that particularly resonates with my own experience. Based on their study of Facebook among college students, the researchers from Michigan State summarize of a few of the most salient aspects of social networking. Continue reading ‘“Friends” with Benefits’