Mask and Personality Identity—Interpersonal Relationships on the Internet
Masks and Personality Identity
—Interpersonal Relationships on the Internet
Huang Houming, adjunct lecturer at the Department of Social Psychology, Shih Hsin University, PhD candidate at the Institute of Social Sciences, National Taiwan University
Virtual Community The word virtual community (community) has gradually spread through various mass media and has become our A term used to refer to interpersonal relationships on the Internet. Due to the Chinese translation and the spread of various anecdotes about Internet romance, Internet pornography, and even Internet one-night stands, interpersonal relationships on the Internet are always a little mysterious and exciting.
Think about it, you can stay alone in your room late at night, but you are exchanging some trivial things or feelings in your life with strangers in a foreign country; but this also makes us inevitably feel uneasy in our hearts. I feel that such interpersonal relationships are illusory and easily shattered. After cutting off the topic and turning off the computer, no one knows the true identity of the other person. Even if they meet in person, they may find that the other person is completely different from what they imagined. Many people are attracted by such a mysterious color, but many people are disgusted and reject this kind of interpersonal relationship that can easily be disillusioned.
In fact, the original meaning of the word virtual in English is powerful and effective, and has no illusory meaning at all. Closely speaking of the word virtual community, what this word is trying to describe is a kind of An interpersonal relationship that is not directly face-to-face but formed through the intermediary of communication media. In other words, such interpersonal relationships do exist, but they still have special characteristics that are different from most daily interpersonal relationships.
In fact, even in daily life, we have been experiencing some mediated communication, the most typical of which are telephone calls and letters. If we think about it more carefully, we will also find that because we read similar newspapers and watch similar TV programs, we have formed a kind of interpersonal relationship with other people in this land and even the world, and even have A sense of oneness. People a few generations ago might have found it difficult to imagine that a hole in the ozone layer over the distant Antarctic would have anything to do with them. It could not have been caused by them, nor would it affect them. To put it more extreme, it might not have anything to do with them at all. Didn't know there was such a thing. The economic crisis in Southeast Asia has also allowed us to see the close relationship between the international economic system. Even the United States and European countries have to pay close attention to the evolution of the situation. Therefore, as early as decades ago, Canadian scholar McLuhan (McLuhan, Marshall) had already used the concept of "exo-explosion" to describe the situation in which electronic media has integrated the world into a global village.
However, as a medium for building interpersonal relationships, the computer network is very different from the telephone or television. Usually, we always use the phone to communicate with relatives and friends we already know well. Only in rare cases do we talk to strangers when we have a special purpose. Furthermore, in most cases, the telephone is a one-on-one communication medium between individuals rather than a mass communication medium. In contrast, mass media such as television or newspapers can only be used by individuals to convey messages to another person in a few special circumstances; more importantly, mass media in the past only had one-way communication. Function. Judging from the popularity of call-in programs in recent years, we can clearly feel that many people have a strong desire to speak out to the public, as well as the charm of this novel experience. Subsequently, we will also find that the computer network is exactly the combination of private communication media and mass communication media, and this medium is not only multimedia, but also two-way. Computer networks can not only be used as a tool for private communication, but also allow individuals to obtain and disseminate various information about public affairs.
We will discuss the impact of the computer network, a special communication media, on information exchange in another article. We will now discuss its effects specifically on structuring interpersonal relationships.
There was once a cartoon about the Internet, which showed a dog surfing the Internet with a sly expression and happily saying: "The biggest advantage of being on the Internet is that people will never I know you are a dog. "Communication through the Internet is actually very special. On the one hand, you can stay comfortably in your own home, but on the other hand, it seems like you have entered a public place and can communicate with many people. Chat with people or express opinions to the crowd. Here, the user conceals part or all of their real-world identity and decides how they want to appear, allowing the individual to create a self that is more or less different from their real-world identity. At the same time, the openness of interpersonal interactions on the Internet also makes it easy for individuals to present themselves in front of the public. It is like standing on a stage. The performer hides part of his true identity in the background. He tries his best to play the role that the audience expects.
Simply put, interpersonal relationships through computer network media are similar to interactions through a mask (persona). By creating an ID, users can temporarily hide part or all of their gender, education, occupation, and even status in the real world. They can even interact or exchange information with other IDs in distant places across geographical restrictions. .
This is the reason why many people use anonymity to describe interpersonal relationships on the Internet, and it is also the reason why many people reject interpersonal relationships on the computer network as false or illusory.
In fact, true anonymity should be that the user behind the code name changes at any time, and at the same time, the individual also changes the code name at any time. However, we found that users often give themselves anonymous names in addition to code names, even add carefully designed signature files to their posters, and even run their own business card files, etc., and regularly and long-term relationships with The interaction or information exchange with other codenames shapes the characteristics of this codename. In other words, the codename gradually acquired its own identity. Therefore, interpersonal relationships on the Internet are not as arbitrary and uncertain as many people imagine due to anonymity. We may be able to call this method of hiding part of the identity and re-using another identity pseudonymity.
It can be seen that interpersonal relationships on the computer network are like performances on a stage. The performers play the role expected by everyone on the front stage and work hard to hide the backstage. In fact, in the real world, especially in modern urban life, we all play different roles on different occasions and interact with others with partial personalities. However, when interacting with others on the Internet, our real bodies often stay in a private space and talk comfortably with others. The separation between the real world and the online space is large, coupled with the expansion of the field of interpersonal relationships on the Internet , in contrast, the chance of overlap between different interpersonal relationships is not large. From this perspective, we can not only regard the computer network as a front stage and the real world as a backstage, but the different activity fields on the computer network also constitute a front stage and a backstage that are almost non-overlapping. This is what sociologist Erving Goffman calls audience segmentation. In this way, on the one hand, individuals can create a personal identity that is different from their real-world identities, and on the other hand, they can maintain several different identities at the same time. Individuals can thus actively shape a new self and corresponding interpersonal relationships.
On the Internet, the process of personal self-shaping is not completely restricted by the identity in the real world. For example, a person who does not understand gardening at all will never be able to change his identity and become a person in relevant discussion forums. "Da Da" is professional and helpful. In the real world, we inevitably tend to refer to an individual's identity to judge his remarks. At the same time, there is always some overlap between the many roles of an individual and the corresponding interpersonal relationships. Therefore, it is completely necessary to completely reshape a new person. It will also be more difficult for yourself to get what you want. In comparison, since the scope of interpersonal relationships on the Internet can often span a wide range of inherent social circle restrictions such as region, occupation, age, etc., it is easier to segment the audience and subsequently reshape one's self. The possibilities are much greater.
However, the identity of the real world cannot be completely erased after all. This is because the real world still has its advantages, no matter whether the user spends most of his time online or is subjective In terms of willingness, I prefer the role I play online, but due to physical limitations, I still have to return to the real world to live my life. In addition, Internet users may have several code names at the same time, just like maintaining several performance stages at the same time, and even facing completely different audiences on different stages. Therefore, interpersonal relationships on the Internet will inevitably appear as a kind of contact between local personalities. But also because this kind of interpersonal relationship is only based on partial personality, it is undeniable that interpersonal relationships on the Internet do appear to be more nihilistic and fragile.
On the other hand, in real-world interpersonal relationships, not only can we often use the overlap of relationships to confirm whether the performance of others in different activity fields is consistent, but at the same time, in daily life Interactions, especially face-to-face interactions, can convey richer messages. We can not only receive the words and deeds intentionally conveyed by others, but also observe the messages they unintentionally reveal, and through the communication between these messages Cross-reference to determine what the other person really meant.
In contrast, most of the information we can get about others on the Internet depends on the other party’s intentional performance, such as codenames, anonymous names, signature files, business card files, and even posted information. poster. Although real-world identities will inevitably seep into the Internet, there is indeed much less information available about others. In other words, individuals maintain the initiative to present themselves and shape themselves through computer networks in interactions, which also means understanding the limitations of others.
In addition, since people do not interact face-to-face, the invisibility of communication also allows individuals to engage in interactive situations more freely. Therefore, in terms of the aspects that individuals are willing to present to others, , there will also be an amplification or exaggeration effect. This will also bring an inexplicable and exciting sense of liberation to the parties involved. The original title of the movie Modern Monkey King is mask. In fact, what is depicted in the play is that the protagonist's behavior becomes exaggerated after putting on the mask. In fact, what he showed at that time was probably It's his long-suppressed self. This phenomenon is actually very close to the portrayal of personality identity and interpersonal relationships on the computer network.
But does liberation or exaggeration mean doing whatever you want? Will it make interpersonal relationships on the Internet become false and illusory?
We can say that interpersonal relationships on the Internet are like a game of exploring self-identity. Games do not mean that they have nothing to do with morality, or even just playing games on occasion, playing games in the world, etc. Has anyone seen a Go master who specializes in cheating? Who can imagine a game in which the participants do not care about winning or losing, but can still invest their energy without reservation and attract the attention of onlookers?
On the contrary, if we treat the computer network as a game, you will find that playing the game will only make you a pawn that no one cares about. I once saw a person who often made inappropriate remarks and cursed in chat rooms. For a long time, no one paid attention to him and he disappeared without a trace. I guess it's probably because no one cares about him, and I feel bored after all.
In fact, the Internet is by no means an alien place without rules. Therefore, a good player must be a dedicated participant. He must concentrate on fighting wits within the limits of the game rules, rather than cheating and cheating in violation of the rules. Games and rules are inseparable. Different games must have different rules.
The so-called inappropriate pornography is not because pornography is prohibited on the Internet; it is inappropriate because the timing and occasion are wrong, that is, the nature of the game is wrong, and it violates the rules of the game. rule. Furthermore, not only can the entire computer network be regarded as a game, but different groups and situations on the Internet will also have different rules of the game. Posts about sex in the mood boards will most likely be deleted by the moderators. On the contrary, in online sex chat rooms, if you try your best to arouse the other person's desire, you will definitely get everyone's approval.
In online games, what is the most important bet (illusio)? That is our illusion. Moreover, the realization of this fantasy game requires all participants in the game to achieve it together. In other words, this is the mutual induction and mutual reinforcement of fantasies among everyone. This game only works if we, like the other participants, take our stakes seriously and are eager to win the most. If participants only regard the interpersonal relationships on the Internet as an illusory dream, this game of exploring self-identity will definitely not proceed. Therefore, the so-called fantasy cannot be simply equated with illusion.
In fact, in the real world, each field is similar to different games. For example, in the academic circle, the emphasis on faithful citation and citation of sources will make it difficult for a storyteller to end the story with "This story I heard from a stranger when I was a child: a long time ago." , somewhere, there is a person..." Such a mysterious and fascinating way to start also prevents the story from becoming more and more exciting through the process of spreading. It can be seen that the rules of the game for academic research are different from those for storytellers. However, whether it is a game to explore self-identity in the real world or online, and no matter what the content of the game is, we need to take the stakes and the outcome of the game seriously and play this role-playing game with all our heart. Only when we don’t care about the rules, stakes, and outcomes of the game will the game truly become void or illusion.
More importantly, since interpersonal relationships on the Internet are a game that explores self-identity, and the authenticity of this game must be realized through the participation of the participants, there are all the factors behind the game. It is supported by a society composed of participants; subsequently, individuals cannot determine the development and outcome of the game by their own will alone. In other words, interpersonal relationships on the Internet are not an illusion or a fictitious game, but a reality constructed through social cooperation.
Although this game has rules that have been formed through long-term interactions, individuals cannot change them arbitrarily. Participants cannot immediately become the "cauldron" admired by everyone after deciding to become the "cauldron" of a certain forum. It can be seen that although interpersonal relationships on the Internet still require users to invest in their fantasies, and personal willingness to shape another self is also a key factor in online interpersonal relationships, this is still a problem controlled by all participants*** A real game supported by the same.
We have said that the bet in this game that explores personality identity is fantasy. Winning more bets means getting more interactions between other participants and your own fantasy, and the interactors who identify with this fantasy. The more and deeper it is, the more it means the realization of the fantasy, that is, the more established the identity surrounding this codename is, and the more it is taken seriously by other participants. And this established identity can in turn support the fantasies of others, or prevent one participant from realizing his will.
Sometimes in order to win more bets in this self-identity exploration game, participants will also invoke real-world identities to increase their resources in the game, such as in the hardware version In their posts, they indicate their academic experience in relevant departments and industries in order to strengthen their authority, or some celebrities do not mind letting others know their true identity, etc.
As the game progresses, the individual will accumulate the bets it has won. In terms of interpersonal relationships on the Internet, as long as it lasts for a long time, each codename can develop its own identity. However, will the results be fully consistent with the user's expectations? Expectation depends on whether you play well or not.
From this process, we find that the accumulation of bets will turn into capital in hand. Participants sometimes use real-world capital to strengthen their personal capital in this game. They may spend huge amounts of money on Internet access and phone bills, hanging on the Internet all day long, or they may even invest capital to set up their own website. Be the most authoritative webmaster. Somewhere in between is like revealing part of one's identity in order to increase the credibility of one's speech.
Of course, this kind of capital transfer across games will not necessarily work as expected. After all, each game has its own game rules and action logic developed under the restrictions of the rules. Therefore, the transfer of capital also needs to go through The process of translation. Even one's identity in the real world may become one's weakness, which in turn reduces the credibility of one's speech. For example, a netizen who often speaks well of a certain direct-selling product is revealed to be a member of the company. Furthermore, status in the real world may not necessarily ensure that one's speech will not be challenged. Especially in an online culture that emphasizes equality and challenges authority, online communication through code names can relatively reduce the influence of status on the discussion situation. influence, whether this status is in the real world or online.
Nevertheless, judging from the authority of some webmasters or the influence of some big guys (cauldrons), it is undeniable that interpersonal relationships on the Internet can still accumulate capital. , there are still differences in status. Furthermore, sometimes the capital accumulated on the Internet will be translated back into the real world, just like some people will be invited to participate in discussions in the real world because of their performance on the Internet, or even In publishing books, etc. Under such circumstances, can we really regard the interpersonal relationships on the Internet as illusory and empty?
Indeed, many people expect to use the Internet, a new communication medium, to make the world a better place. Especially through the popularization of information circulation channels and public participation, we hope that individuals can easily Get the information you need, and at the same time, you can participate in discussions on public issues without being restricted by your status. As far as the development of society is concerned, such value expectations are necessary and worthy of recognition. I also sincerely hope that the government’s information and communication infrastructure in the future will not be dominated by the argument of “unlimited business opportunities on the Internet”, lest the capitalist logic of existing society further penetrate into this emerging field and replicate the original unequal relationship. .
However, according to our previous discussion, there will be mutual circulation between capital on the Internet and capital in the real world. Through the process of translation, some people can still make use of existing resources. To improve their identity and status on the Internet; at the same time, some netizens are treated politely in the real world due to the experience and reputation they have accumulated on the Internet. Judging from the actual situation, the rise of the computer network as an activity field has not led to the overall equality of society. At most, it has only reshuffled some parts. In other words, whether inside or outside the computer network, various types of capital and their accompanying power still constitute the basic layout and important mechanism of social operation.
As far as interpersonal relationships on the Internet are concerned, the minimum computer equipment and knowledge constitute the basic threshold for participating in the game. Once this threshold is crossed, the amount of computer technology knowledge you have will further determine your personal influence. Of course, as long as we are connected to the Internet, even if we do not understand computer technology, we can still actively participate in discussions in other discussion forums. It's just that as the computer medium is still quite imperfect, it's always easy to encounter situations where technical support is needed. We often hear that a certain netizen got his girlfriend because he helped a girl solve computer problems. In fact, people in the world are divided into two categories whether they are online or not, not to mention the length of time they spend online is also one of the determinants of personal influence. Furthermore, an individual's position on the Internet also determines the power relationship between people.
For example, the webmaster can decide the direction of the entire website. As far as I know, the webmaster of a famous website was severely challenged by netizens when he participated in a discussion on a certain page. In a fit of anger, he decided to use this The entire version was killed on the grounds that it was no longer necessary to exist. Secondly, moderators can also declare the principles for posting comments and cut posts accordingly. In addition, the "big ones" in the discussion forum must have greater appeal to initiate online gatherings than unknown netizens. It is even easier for the webmaster of a pirated software site to obtain the permissions of other pirated software sites, thereby enriching his own website collection and making himself and his website more important. There may be differences in permissions even among web users. Some boards are only visible to advanced users, while some boards are exclusive to webmasters and moderators. Here, not only knowledge determines the rights of the user, but also the power. This will in turn determine the scope of information that users can obtain. The basic layout of these online interpersonal relationships is like the scenery of a stage, which determines to some extent the influence that different roles can exert.
As we have pointed out before, the basic operating conditions of network communication, such as the threshold of computer knowledge and economic conditions, or the interaction between knowledge and power, and even the implications of different role positions power levels, etc. These power structures constitute the stage setting for online interpersonal relationships. However, the practical significance of the power structure is not without possibility of change, and who occupies these more advantageous positions can also be challenged. In fact, this also applies to real-world power arrangements.
It’s just that in modern society, there is an imbalance of power between individuals and organizations. They are usually unable to fight against the organization. Even if they want to fight, they have to rely on another organization. For example, consumers often have to rely on the media or Only then can the Consumer Foundation put pressure on commercial companies that sell defective goods to claim compensation. However, on the one hand, the Internet itself has the effect of mass media, in particular, individuals can speak to the masses without an organized intermediary; at the same time, the individual speeches of other netizens can also be immediately displayed on the Internet, so there is no interaction between individuals. It is not necessarily necessary to have horizontal connections or even form a movement group, but they can still support each other and generate pressure at any time. In the recent incident of CD-ROM virus infection on Seed Network, Seed Network, which has technology and other resources, was forced to admit its mistakes under the strong pressure of many netizens' verbal criticism, and a certain manager was responsible for the abuse during the incident. Technical move to apologize. This is a good example of a large number of individuals on the Internet directly challenging the power of real-world organizations.
Another example is that a few months ago, the webmasters of a well-known website collectively protested against the publication of a paper by a member of the website on the grounds that the researcher was conducting research without prior notification. This incident triggered a very heated discussion on the site. Some netizens blamed the researcher for infringing on her privacy rights, while others questioned whether requirements such as "must inform before research" are already common knowledge on the site. A controversy that arose later was whether the letter of protest issued by the webmasters only represented their personal opinions, or did it also have to be authorized by the webmasters? And have the webmasters been entrusted with any authority by the webmasters? If so, what is its content, etc. As a result, the matter ended hastily, and no political consciousness was formed to support the webmasters' protest actions afterwards, nor was any new political consciousness formed from the discussion in accordance with the expectations of the webmasters. In this example, we can find that the content of the webmaster's authority has itself become a topic of discussion. The existing power layout cannot ensure the execution of the will. Furthermore, these webmasters must use their authority more carefully in the future. When it comes to authority, this also means more or less restrictions on power, as well as changes in the meaning of the existing power layout.
Whether it is in the real world or a virtual community, the reset of power distribution involves the control of interpretation rights and actual participation. From asking the government for an information communication infrastructure that is oriented toward social justice rather than commercial interests, to challenging the division of power within a website, or redefining the authority of webmasters or moderators by provoking discussions, etc., it can be caused by many reasons. Netizens' positive comments attracted attention and even inspired a trend. Although we cannot know at what time and what kind of personal actions will inevitably produce turbulent power, what is certain is that these examples are constantly happening. Many online game rules have also been modified with the enthusiastic participation of netizens in discussions. From the rules for chopping letters to the development policy of the entire website, they can become the subject of discussion. The result may only be to challenge the rules issued by the webmaster himself. It may also lead to the re-condensation of consciousness. When these sounds are too loud to be ignored, we can occasionally see many small shrimps defeating large whales.
If we look at some of the social movements that gather strength and build momentum online, we can certainly understand that although power inequality exists both in the real world and online, these arrangements are not It is not an unbreakable limit, at best it is just the setting for our activities. Some actions may modify power relations on the Internet, and some may even change the functioning of the real world. Judging from the quantitative ratio, participation in virtual communities may not be higher than in real society. However, for those who are fully committed, they can easily actively participate in the shaping of this society and even cross borders. Gather strength geographically. At the end of 1984, I personally participated in a consumer movement that mobilized, gathered and agitated on the Internet. This is an action jointly brewed and planned by a group of netizens who have never met each other and span the north and south of Taiwan. From leaflet drafting, clothing production, to event design, etc., all meetings and contacts are conducted through the Internet.
Since communication on the Internet mainly relies on language and text, interpersonal relationships across the Internet are less susceptible to the threat of physical violence. At the same time, under the protection of a pseudonym, there are fewer objections to others' claims. Lifts or burdens from the real world. In addition, the Internet itself has its own history of development. The original Internet culture emphasized rational communication. Even in the real world, no matter how the actual situation appears, reasonable exchange of opinions is a value accepted by most people. In this case, the momentum of speech itself can also generate power, influence the original power layout, and have the effect of challenging existing power and authority.
Although power determines the basic layout of the game, the game process cannot be completely determined by any power. Even at the critical moment of reorganizing the power layout, the formulation and interpretation of the game rules itself has become the subject of competition.
Virtual communities are not castles in the air. On the contrary, interpersonal relationships on the Internet are still intertwined with interpersonal relationships in the real world, just as many netizens will eventually meet or often communicate with each other. Same as pipes. The Internet is not a utopia with a power vacuum. All kinds of capital and power operations flow on the Internet, in the real world, and between these two fields. Thus, these factors also set the stage for us to explore our identity online.
Masks may allow us to escape from the operation of certain powers, but we will not jump into a vacuum because of this, but just change the stage and change the scenery. In fact, netizens participating in this game of exploring self-identity often try to find or build a place that can maximize the capital they have in their hands in the process of changing stages, and even further accumulate capital to successfully shape themselves. The power layout of personality identity.
Since interpersonal relationships on the Internet are a dynamic game process of exploring self-identity, and on the one hand, it is the contact between partial, multiple, and fluid personality identities; on the other hand, there are also interactions both inside and outside the game. The operations of capital and power. In this case, is there still an intimate relationship between people (should I say between code names)? How can we still trust others and believe that what they say is true? Or is it just a cunning power struggle? Is it therefore impossible to have any trust in interpersonal relationships on the Internet?
If we only look at the interpersonal relationships on the Internet, they are indeed only based on contact and interaction between partial personalities. Therefore, the trust relationship is only based on partial personalities. What users trust only revolves around It's just the identity formed by that code name. However, in fact, online interpersonal relationships often gradually expand into real-world identities over a long period of time, so we will also get more and more information about others. On the other hand, since physical contact is not required to participate in interpersonal interactions on the Internet, and the interaction is only between partial personalities, individuals do not have to worry that their entire personality or body will be affected by the breakdown of online interpersonal relationships. You can withdraw from your comfortable moments at any time, so you can feel safe interacting with others.
You can even share your most private experiences and feelings with strangers under the protection of a pseudonym; therefore, we see many helping behaviors on the Internet, especially those who do not need to Expose yourself to real-world interactive information exchanges. A few years ago, I went to an international news group to ask relevant questions due to a computer failure. Within a week, I received detailed answers from many enthusiastic netizens from as far away as the United States and Australia. The actual experience of these netizens shows that self-identity exploration games on the Internet will not become only struggles and deceptions because of pseudonyms, the actions of participants exploring themselves, or even the influence of capital and power in the game. On the contrary, the information sharing that occurs all the time in the discussion forum is absolutely true. Selfless information exchange is the most valuable thing about interpersonal relationships on the Internet, and it is also the reason why many netizens become big pots.
We don’t need to worry that such interpersonal relationships are unreliable and illusory because they are established through masks, because an individual’s personality identity is always in a certain social context. It is formed through long-term interactions with others and gradually develops a personal understanding of self, including personal understanding of who I am, what kind of person I am, how I became who I am now, and what I expect to do in the future. What kind of person do you want to be, what kind of person do you want to be, and the understanding of these issues.
A person's mask is actually the role that society expects him to play. The original meaning of the word person is mask (persona). When we create and play the role we choose in this way, the mask becomes part of our personality. Just like when we were young, we slowly learned how to be a good student from school education. In the game of exploring self-identity and in the interaction with others, we are also learning what is appropriate behavior. The norms behind these roles are Gradually internalized into our values ??and moral judgments, therefore, the interpersonal relationships on the Internet still have its socializing effect.
However, we still need to understand that the effectiveness of virtual communities must be based on our expectations. The Internet was originally used to maintain the smooth flow of national defense communications. Later it became a convenient channel for information exchange among scientists or scholars. Now it has become our private communication medium and mass media. The most important function of the Internet can be said to be to supplement the shortcomings and limitations of the original communication channels.
Understanding the Internet and Internet People