So recently in viewing particular Ted Talks that delve into the significance of ‘online identity’ I came across one particular video that took my fancy in a really peculiar way. I quite often mock the internet, in one hand I detest anything to do with online interaction while I part-take willingly in all forms of social media with the other. My relationship with the internet/online communication is drenched in sarcasm and an unhealthy dependence, which often feeds off each other and will make for a satirical online persona. But aside from my rejection to modern technology, the ability to contact my loved ones in an instant is why I my social media accounts are still active.
I found myself relating very heavily and sympathising to the
talk which Stefana Broadbent gave on ‘How the Internet Enables Intimacy’ she
basically striped away the substantial layers of the internet and spoke of the
fundamental, basic acts of love we can communicate to our loved ones while on
the road, workplace, classroom or office. A communication that allows us to break
daily isolation institutions impose by having presence on the internet and
online identity. She gave such examples of a baker who must wake extremely
early for work with the opportunity to sneak away from kneading dough at 8am to
message his wife who is starting her day, or a mother who is able to wish
family members goodnight while she starts her late shift.
Examples like these really reiterate why being apart of
online society and having social presence and identity is important, I think,
anyway.
