A Networked Self examines self presentation and social connection in the digital age. This collection brings together new work on online social networks by leading scholars from a variety of disciplines. The focus of the volume rests on the construction of the self, and what happens to self-identity when it is presented through networks of social connections in new media environments. The volume is structured around the core themes of identity, community, and culture - the central themes of social network sites. Contributors address theory, research, and practical implications of many aspects of online social networks including self-presentation, behavioral norms, patterns and routines, social impact, privacy, class/gender/race divides, taste cultures online, uses of social networking sites within organizations, activism, civic engagement and political impact.
"The complex and sometimes contradictory phenomena of social media are among the most discussed aspects of digital culture today, and A Networked Self examines these phenomena through a variety of perspectives and approaches from sociology and communication theory. The collection offers new insights into the ways in which the affordances of social media lead users to construct, maintain, and remix their identities online. It provides solid evidence that we as a culture are indeed reshaping our social and political lives in and through social media. Both for its variety and depth, this collection will be an important resource for all students of digital culture for years to come."-Jay David Bolter, Georgia Institute of Technology
"In this book, the field's top scholars address the wide range of issues raised by contemporary online social networks. Bridging social scientific and critical approaches, the authors offer sharp data-driven analyses that will be of keen interest to students and researchers."-Nancy Baym, University of Kansas
"This is an insightful treatment of social networking networks in general."
--B. G. Turner, Faulkner University
"This collection offers an extensive exploration of many of the emergent elements and important considerations related to social networking. It contains much new evidence about how people engage with social networking sites....." -- Sue Cranmer, Futurelab, UK
"In this book, the field's top scholars address the wide range of issues raised by contemporary online social networks. Bridging social scientific and critical approaches, the authors offer sharp data-driven analyses that will be of keen interest to students and researchers."-Nancy Baym, University of Kansas
"This is an insightful treatment of social networking networks in general."
--B. G. Turner, Faulkner University
"This collection offers an extensive exploration of many of the emergent elements and important considerations related to social networking. It contains much new evidence about how people engage with social networking sites....." -- Sue Cranmer, Futurelab, UK