The Hidden Dimensions of 'Cyber' Culture

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        Marin

Tracy Marin

ENG 100

Essay # 3

October 11, 2005

Rough Draft

The Hidden Dimensions of ‘Cyber’ Culture

It’s 10:30 pm. Everyone seems to be asleep, but not quite. Something waits for me beyond the walls of my room. I sit on my swiveling chair, and let the computer screen glow against my face. I launch the internet browser and with just one click on My Favorites folder (contains important saved links of sites), I have the home page of “JoliesNipple” Forum in front of my eyes in no time. Meanwhile, MSN (instant messenger) automatically logs me in obediently, letting know my ingroup that I’m online and available for active interaction. I browse through dozens of topics and responses of members that the forum gained for the day. As a two-year old member, eventually, I’ll have to figure out my contribution to most of these topics, something necessary in order to maintain my rising status of popularity in the group.

A forum is an online discussion group where members (fans) with common interests exchange open messages and discussions. “JoliesNipple” Forum consists of approximately 165 registered users, who are Angelina Jolie dedicated fans. The ages of regular members mostly range from 14 to 27 years old. I myself have been a part of this troop for two years now. From all over the world, we are all brought together with one reason - our admiration for one actress. During the period of the group’s existence, I have witnessed how it has evolved from specialized member relationships and formal discussions about Ms. Jolie, to multi-colored random conversations and warm concerns about each other. Forum sections, where users can talk about anything besides the actress, were created such as “General Discussions”. Logging on to the forum wasn’t just about Angelina Jolie anymore, but also that sense of intimate bonding began to emerge within. These people start to influence each other, where the status of “popular” group members shapes the roles played and the behaviors conformed within the group.

Joining the group is very easy and free of charge; however, gaining the attention - being widely admired or accepted or sought after – is something one has to work hard for. Through the result of personal ability or successful competition, the person can win an “achieved” status (Kendall). Starting as a low status new member, you receive the label, “Newbie”. This person is usually known for his inexperience and his questions that were probably asked a thousand times before, such as the popular matter about how to post a picture. Every member needs an avatar. Avatar refers to pictures, drawings or icons that the user chooses to represent himself. This enables people to maintain partial anonymity. Like attending a masquerade party, they are more relaxed and free to do and say what pleases them with their masks on. After about a week of trial and error of learning, the “newbie” has to start developing his own avatar to keep up with the rest of the people, which is the first sign of conformity prior to joining the group. The graphical quality of the avatar measures the popularity and the attention you are capable of getting. And once other members begin to give compliments about it, you are no longer a “newbie,” but you have stepped up a higher status level.

Join now!

Additionally, another factor that determines popularity (acceptance) in the forum is the amount of time spent online, and the number of messages posted. The more often one logs on, the higher the number of one’s posts are. The greater the number of posts made, the greater the possibility that the rest of the members will remember you. Like any social system, it takes time to feel like you really belong and understand the culture. For me, during my highest peak of obsession with the forum and instant messengers, I signed on every day, sat there, and chatted to these people ...

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