Mask and personality identity
-Interpersonal relationships on the Internet
Huang Houming is a part-time lecturer in the Department of Social Psychology, Shixin University, and a doctoral student in the Institute of Social Studies, Taiwan Province University.
The word "virtual community" has gradually spread through various mass media and become a term we use to address interpersonal relationships on the Internet. Due to Chinese translation and the spread of online romance, online pornography and even the anecdotes of online one-night stands, interpersonal relationships on the Internet are always mysterious and exciting.
Think about it, you can stay alone in your room late at night, but you are communicating some trivial things or feelings with strangers in a foreign country; But it also makes us feel uneasy. This kind of interpersonal relationship is illusory and easily shattered. When the computer is turned off, no one knows the real identity of the other party. Even if we meet, we may find that the other person is completely different from what we imagined. Many people are attracted by this mysterious color, but many people dislike this easily disillusioned interpersonal relationship.
In fact, the original meaning of the word virtual in English is powerful and effective, and it has no illusory meaning at all. As far as the word virtual community is concerned, this word describes a kind of interpersonal relationship formed through the intermediary of the media without direct face-to-face contact. In other words, this kind of interpersonal relationship does exist, but it still has its particularity different from most interpersonal relationships in daily life.
In fact, even in our daily life, we have been communicating constantly through the media, most typically by telephone and letters. If we think about it carefully, we will find that reading similar newspapers and watching similar TV programs have formed a kind of interpersonal relationship with other people in this land and even the whole world, and even a sense of unity. A few generations ago, it might be hard for people to imagine what the hole in the ozone layer over the distant Antarctic had to do with them. This can't be caused by them, and it won't affect them. More extreme, they may not even know that such a thing exists. The economic storm in Southeast Asia has also shown us the close relationship between the international economic systems, and even the United States and European countries have to pay close attention to the evolution of the situation. Therefore, as early as several decades ago, Canadian scholar Marshall used the concept of "external explosion" to describe the integration of the whole world into a global village by electronic media.
However, as a medium to build interpersonal relationship, computer network is very different from telephone or television. Usually, we always contact our familiar relatives and friends by telephone. Only in rare cases do we talk to strangers when we are sitting in America for a special purpose. In addition, in most cases, the telephone is only a one-to-one communication medium between individuals, not mass media. In contrast, mass media, such as television or newspapers and periodicals, will only be used by individuals to convey information to another person in a few special circumstances; More importantly, in the past, mass media only had the function of one-way communication. Judging from the popularity of telephone calls in recent years, we can clearly feel that many people have a strong desire to speak out to the public and the charm of this novel experience. Later, we will find that the computer network is only a combination of private media and mass media, and this media is not only multimedia, but also two-way. Computer network can not only be used as a tool for communication between individuals, but also enable individuals to obtain and disseminate all kinds of information about public affairs.
The influence of computer network, a special medium, on information exchange will be discussed in another article. Now, we will discuss its influence on building interpersonal relationships.
There was once a cartoon about the Internet, which showed a dog surfing the Internet and said happily with a sly expression: "The biggest advantage of surfing the Internet is that people will never know that you are a dog. Spreading through online media is actually very special. On the one hand, you can stay comfortably in your own home. On the other hand, it seems that in public places, you can chat with many people or express your views to the masses. Here, the user hides part or all of his real-world identity and decides what he intends to present, so that the individual can create a self that is more or less different from the real-world identity. At the same time, the publicity of network interpersonal interaction makes it easy for individuals to present themselves to the public, which is like standing on the stage, where performers hide some of their true identities in the background and try their best to play the role expected by the audience at the front desk.
Simply put, the interpersonal relationship through computer network media is similar to the interaction through roles. By creating a code name (id), users can temporarily hide some or all of their real identities such as gender, education, occupation and even status, and even cross geographical restrictions to form interaction or information exchange with other codes in the distance. This is the reason why many people use anonymity to describe online interpersonal relationships, and it is also the reason why many people reject online interpersonal relationships as false or illusory.
In fact, the real anonymity should be that the user changes the code name at any time, and the individual also changes the code name at any time. However, we find that users often take an anonymous name for themselves outside the code name, even add a well-designed signature file to their posters, and even run their own business card files to shape the characteristics of this code name in the long-term interaction or information exchange with other codes. In other words, a code name gradually has its own identity. Therefore, interpersonal relationships on the Internet are not as arbitrary and uncertain as many people think because of anonymity. We may be able to use this hidden part of identity to re-operate another identity, which is called pseudonymity.
It can be seen that the interpersonal relationship on the computer network is like a performance on the stage. The performer plays the expected role in the foreground and tries to hide the background. 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 personality. However, when we interact with others on the Internet, our real bodies often stay in a private space and talk comfortably with others. The real world and cyberspace are separated. With the expansion of the network interpersonal relationship field, by contrast, the probability of overlap between different interpersonal relationships is not great. From this perspective, we can not only regard the computer network as a foreground, but also regard the real world as a background. Different fields of activity on the computer network also constitute almost non-overlapping prospects and backgrounds, which is what sociologist erving goffman called audience segmentation. In this way, on the one hand, individuals can create a personality identity different from the real world identity, on the other hand, they can keep several different identities at the same time. Therefore, individuals can actively shape a brand-new self and corresponding interpersonal relationships.
On the internet, the process of individual self-shaping is not without the restriction of real-world identity. For example, a person who doesn't know anything about gardening can't transform himself into a "big" with professional knowledge and helpfulness in relevant forums. In the real world, we inevitably tend to judge an individual's speech by referring to his identity. At the same time, there will always be some overlap between many roles of an individual and the corresponding interpersonal relationships. So it will be more difficult to completely reshape a completely new self. In contrast, because the range of interpersonal relationships on the internet can often cross the limitations of the inherent social circle such as region, occupation and age, it is much more likely to separate the audience and then rebuild themselves.
However, the identity of the real world cannot be completely obliterated after all, because the real world still has its advantages. No matter whether users spend most of their time on the Internet or subjectively like the role played on the Internet, they still have to go back to the real world to live because of physical limitations. In addition, Internet users may have several code names at the same time, just like holding several performance stages at the same time, or even facing completely different audiences on different stages. Therefore, the interpersonal relationship on the Internet is bound to present a kind of contact between local people. However, because this kind of interpersonal relationship is only based on partial personality, it is undeniable that the interpersonal relationship on the internet does seem empty and fragile.
On the other hand, in the interpersonal relationship in the real world, we can often confirm whether others' performance in different fields of activity is consistent through overlapping relationships. At the same time, interaction in daily life, especially face-to-face interaction, can convey more information. We can not only receive the words and behaviors that others intentionally convey, but also observe the information they inadvertently reveal, and determine the true meaning of each other by comparing these information.
In contrast, most of the information we can get about others on the internet depends on the intentional performance of the other party, such as code name, anonymity, signature files, business card files, and even posters posted. Although the identity of the real world will inevitably penetrate into the network, in any case, other people's information can be obtained. In other words, individuals maintain the initiative of presenting themselves and shaping themselves through computer networks, which also means the limitations of understanding others.
In addition, because there is no face-to-face interaction between people, and the concealment of communication enables individuals to participate in the interactive situation more freely, there will be amplification or exaggeration in the aspects that individuals are willing to present to others. This will also have a sense of inexplicable excitement and liberation for the parties. The original title of the film Modern Sage is Mask. In fact, the play depicts the situation that the protagonist's behavior becomes exaggerated after wearing a mask. In fact, what he showed at that time was probably his repressed self. This phenomenon is actually very close to the portrayal of personality identity and interpersonal relationship on the computer network. However, is liberation or exaggeration equivalent to doing whatever you want? Will it make the interpersonal relationship on the network false and illusory?
We can say that interpersonal relationships on the Internet are like a game to explore self-identity. Games don't mean that they have nothing to do with morality, or even take part in accidental amusement and cynicism. Who has seen a chess player who specializes in cheating? Who can imagine a game in which participants don't care about winning or losing, but they can throw themselves into it without reservation and attract the attention of onlookers?
On the contrary, if we regard computer network as a game, you will find that taking part in accidental amusement and playing games will only turn you into a pawn that nobody cares about. I once met a man who used to swear in chat rooms. After a long time, nobody paid attention to him and disappeared without a trace. I guess it's because no one cares about him and he's bored after all.
In fact, the Internet is by no means a place without rules. Therefore, a good player must be a dedicated participant. He must concentrate his fighting wisdom within the limits of the rules of the game, instead of cheating and cheating in violation of the rules. Games are inseparable from rules, and different games must have different rules.
The so-called inappropriate opening yellow cavity is not because it is forbidden to open yellow cavity online; Inappropriate because the timing and occasion are wrong, that is, the nature of the game is mistaken and the rules of the game are violated. Furthermore, not only the whole computer network can be regarded as a game, but also different groups and occasions on the network will have different rules of the game. In the mood page, posters about sex are likely to be deleted by moderators. On the contrary, in the chat room where you play online sex, you will try your best to provoke each other's lust, and you will certainly get everyone's approval.
What is the best bet in online games (illusio)? This is our illusion. Moreover, the realization of this fantasy game needs the common realization of all participants in the game, that is to say, the mutual induction and mutual enhancement of fantasy among all people. Only when we, like other participants, take our bets very seriously and are eager to win the most bets can the game continue. If the participants only regard the interpersonal relationship on the internet as an illusory dream, the game of exploring self-identity will certainly not go on, so the so-called fantasy can not be simply equated with illusion.
In fact, in the real world, a field is similar to different games. For example, for a storyteller, the faithful quotation and the explanation of the source, which are extremely emphasized by the academic circles, will make the story unable to unfold in such a mysterious and charming way as "I heard this story from a stranger when I was a child: a long time ago, there was a man somewhere …", and it will also make the story unable to become more and more exciting through the process of circulation. Therefore, the rules of the game in academic research are different from those of the storyteller. However, whether it is a game to explore self-identity in the real world or online, no matter what the content of the game is, we need to take the bet and victory of the game seriously and play this role-playing game wholeheartedly. Only when we don't care about the rules of the game, the stakes and the results will the game really become empty or illusory.
More importantly, since interpersonal relationship on the internet is a game to explore self-identity, and the authenticity of this game must be realized by the participants together, there is a society composed of all participants behind the game to support it; Subsequently, individuals can't decide the development and outcome of the game by their own will. In other words, interpersonal relationship on the Internet is not an illusory and fictional game, but a reality constructed through social interaction.
Even if the game has its long-standing rules formed through interaction, individuals cannot change it at will. After a participant decides to become a "cauldron" in a discussion forum, he can't immediately become a "cauldron" admired by everyone. It can be seen that although the interpersonal relationship on the Internet still requires users to bet on their own fantasies, and the individual's willingness to shape another self is also a key factor in the interpersonal relationship on the Internet, it is still a real game supported by all participants.
As we said, the bet of this game of exploring personal identity is fantasy. Winning more bets means getting more interaction between other participants and your own fantasies. The more interactive sensors that agree with this fantasy, the deeper the realization of fantasy, that is, the more recognition built around this code name, the more attention is paid by other participants. This established identity can in turn support other people's fantasies, or prevent a participant from realizing his own wishes.
Sometimes, in order to win more bets in this self-identity exploration game, participants will use their real-world identities to increase their resources in the game, such as showing their academic experience in relevant departments and industries in hard-copy posts to strengthen their authority, or some celebrities don't mind letting others know their true identities. As the game progresses, individuals will accumulate the bets they win. As far as network interpersonal relationship is concerned, as long as it is operated for a long time, each symbol can develop its own identity. However, whether the results can fully meet the expectations of users depends on whether you play well or not.
From this process, we find that the accumulation of bets will become the capital in hand. In this game, participants sometimes use real-world capital to strengthen their individual capital. They spend a lot of money on the internet and telephone bills, hang on the internet all day, and even invest capital to build their own websites and become the most authoritative webmasters. In between, it is like exposing part of your identity in order to improve the credibility of your speech.
Of course, this cross-game fund transfer cannot be fully realized. After all, every game has its own rules of the game and the action logic developed under the restrictions of the rules. Therefore, capital transfer also needs the process of translation. Even the identity of the real world may become your weakness, reducing the credibility of your speech. For example, netizens who often speak well for a direct selling product are exposed as members of the company. Moreover, status in the real world does not guarantee that one's speech will not be challenged, especially in the network culture that emphasizes equality and challenges authority. Network communication through code names can also relatively reduce the influence of status on discussion situations, whether in the real world or online.
Nevertheless, judging from the authority of some webmasters or the influence of some pot rice, it is undeniable that interpersonal relationships on the internet can still accumulate capital and still have status differences. Furthermore, sometimes the capital accumulated on the Internet will be translated back into the real world, just as some people will be invited to participate in discussions and even publish books in the real world because of their performance on the Internet. In this case, can we really see the interpersonal relationship on the internet as illusory?
Indeed, many people expect to make the world a better place through the Internet, especially through the popularization of information circulation channels and public participation. We hope that individuals can easily obtain the information they need, and at the same time, they can participate in the discussion of public issues without being restricted by their status. As far as social development is concerned, such value expectation is necessary and worthy of recognition. Personally, I sincerely hope that the future government's information and communication infrastructure will not be dominated by the discussion of "unlimited network business opportunities", so as to avoid the capitalist logic of the existing society from further infiltrating into this emerging field and copying the original unequal relations here.
But according to our previous discussion, there will be mutual circulation between the capital on the internet and the capital in the real world. Through the process of translation, some people can still use their existing resources to improve their status and position on the Internet. At the same time, some netizens are well received in the real world because of their accumulated experience and reputation on the Internet. Judging from the actual situation, the rise of computer network activities has not brought about the equality of the whole society, but only partially reshuffled. In other words, all kinds of capital and its accompanying forces still constitute the basic layout and important mechanism of social operation, both inside and outside the computer network.
As far as network interpersonal relationship is concerned, the minimum computer equipment and knowledge constitute the basic threshold for participating in the game. Once this threshold is crossed, the knowledge of computer technology will further determine the personal influence. Of course, as long as we are connected to the Internet, even if we don't know computer technology, we can still actively participate in discussions in other forums. It is only when the medium of computer is still quite imperfect that it is always easy to encounter situations that require technical support. We often hear that a netizen got a girlfriend because he helped girls solve computer problems. In fact, people in the world have been divided into two categories: online or not, not to mention the length of online time, which is also one of the decisive factors of personal influence. Furthermore, the status of individuals on the Internet also determines the power relationship between people.
For example, the webmaster can decide the direction of the whole website. As far as I know, the webmaster of a famous website was severely questioned by netizens when he participated in the discussion of a certain version. In a rage, he killed the whole version on the grounds that it did not exist. Secondly, the moderator can also announce the principle of making comments and intercept the letter accordingly. There is also a "big" discussion forum, which is bound to have greater appeal than unknown netizens to launch online gatherings. Even, the webmaster of the pirated software station is more likely to get the friend rights of other pirated software stations, thus enriching his website collection and making himself and his website more important. Even among station friends, there may be differences in permissions. Some versions are only visible to advanced users, while others are specially for webmasters and moderators. Here, not only knowledge determines the power of users, but also the scope of information that users can obtain. The basic layout of these network interpersonal relationships, like the scenery of the stage, determines the influence that different roles can exert to a certain extent.
We have pointed out before that the basic operating conditions of network communication, such as the threshold of computer knowledge, economic conditions, or the interaction between knowledge and power, and even the power levels contained in different roles, constitute the stage scenery of network interpersonal relationship. However, the practical significance of power distribution is not impossible to change, and who will occupy these dominant positions can also be challenged. In fact, this also applies to the distribution of power in the real world.
However, in modern society, individuals and organizations are in a state of unequal power and are usually unable to confront organizations. Even if they want to fight, they have to rely on another organization. For example, consumers often have to rely on the media or consumer associations to put pressure on commercial companies that sell defective goods and demand compensation. However, on the one hand, the network itself has the effect of mass media, especially individuals can speak to the public without an organized intermediary; At the same time, other netizens' personal speeches can also be immediately presented on the network. Individuals can still help each other at any time without horizontal contact or even forming sports groups, resulting in pressure. In the recent virus-infected incident of Seed Net CD-ROM, Seed Net with technology and other resources had to admit its mistake under the strong pressure of many netizens. A manager apologized for the abuse of technology in the incident. This is a good example of how many people on the Internet directly challenge the power of real-world organizations.
For another example, a few months ago, the webmaster of a famous website collectively protested that the friends of the station published papers on the grounds that the researchers did not inform them in advance. This matter caused a very heated discussion at the station. Some friends denounced the researcher's invasion of her privacy, while others questioned whether the requirements such as "must be informed before research" had long been the knowledge of the whole station. Later, a controversy arose, that is, does the protest signed by the webmasters only represent personal opinions, or must they also be authorized by the station friends? Have the station friends entrusted the webmasters with any authority? If so, what is its content and so on. As a result, the matter ended hastily. Afterwards, neither * * * knowledge supporting the webmaster's protest action was formed, nor any new * * * knowledge was formed from the discussion as expected by the webmaster. In this example, we can find that the connotation of the webmaster's authority itself has become a topic of discussion. The existing power distribution can't guarantee the will. Furthermore, when these webmasters have to use their authority more carefully in the future, it also means more or less restrictions on power and changes in the meaning of the existing power layout.
Whether it is the real world or the virtual community, the reset of power distribution involves the mastery of the right to interpret and the actual participation in the action. From asking the government for an information and communication infrastructure that points to social justice rather than commercial interests, to challenging the division of power within the website and repositioning the authoritative connotation of webmasters or moderators by provoking discussions, many netizens have made positive comments, which have aroused concern and even stirred up waves. Although we can't know when and what kind of personal behavior will inevitably produce surging power, it is certain that these examples are constantly happening. Many rules of the game on the Internet were also revised with the enthusiastic participation of netizens. From the interception rules to the development policy of the whole station, it can be a topic of discussion, and the result may only challenge the rules issued by the webmaster himself, or it may lead to the reunion of knowledge. When these sounds are too loud to be ignored, we can occasionally see many small shrimps beating big whales.
If we look at some social movements that gather strength and create momentum on the Internet, we can certainly understand that although there is power inequality in the real world like the Internet, these layouts are not insurmountable restrictions, but at best they are just the scenery of our activities. Some actions may modify the power relations on the Internet, and some actions may even change the operation of the real world. In terms of quantity ratio, the participation of virtual community may not be higher than that of real society, but for those who devote themselves wholeheartedly, they can easily and actively participate in the shaping of this society, and even gather strength across regions. At the end of 1984, I personally participated in a consumer movement that mobilized, assembled and incited the trend on the Internet. This is an action planned by a group of netizens who have never met before and traveled all over Taiwan Province Province. From leaflet drafting, costume making and even event design, all meetings and contacts are conducted through the Internet.
Because communication on the Internet mainly depends on language and writing, interpersonal relationships across the network are less vulnerable to the threat of physical violence. At the same time, under the protection of aliases, opinions against others are less involved or burdened by the real world. In addition, the network itself has its own development history. The original network culture emphasized rational communication. Even in the real world, no matter how the actual situation is presented, a reasonable exchange of views is a value accepted by most people. In this case, the momentum of speech itself can also generate power, control the original power layout, and play a dual role in challenging power and authority. Although power determines the basic layout of the game, the game process is not completely determined by any power. Even at the critical moment of restructuring the power layout, the formulation and interpretation of the rules of the game itself has become the object of contention.
Virtual communities are not castles in the air. On the contrary, interpersonal relationships on the internet and in the real world are still interrelated, just as many netizens will eventually meet or often find another communication channel. Internet is not a utopia with a power vacuum. All kinds of capital and power flow between these two fields on the Internet and in the real world. So these factors are also the stage setting for us to explore self-identity on the Internet.
Masks may allow us to escape from the operation of some power, but we will not jump into a vacuum, just change the stage and scenery. In fact, netizens who participate in this game of exploring self-identity often try to find or establish a power layout that can maximize the capital they have in their hands and even further accumulate capital to successfully shape their personality identity during the process of changing channels.
Since interpersonal relationship on the Internet is a dynamic game process to explore self-identity, on the one hand, it is the contact between local, diverse and mobile personality identities, on the other hand, there are also capital and power operations inside and outside the game. In this case, is there any intimate relationship between people (it should be said that between code names and code names)? How can we trust others and believe that what others say is true? Or is it just a power struggle? Is it impossible for interpersonal relationships on the internet to have any trust relationship?
If the interpersonal relationship on the Internet is only based on the contact and interaction between local personalities, then the trust relationship is only based on local personalities, and users only trust the identity formed around that code. But in fact, after a long-term operation, interpersonal relationships on the Internet will gradually expand to the identity of the real world, so we will also get more and more information about others. On the other hand, because participating in network interpersonal interaction does not require physical contact, and it is only part of the interaction between personalities, individuals do not have to worry that the whole personality or body will be affected by the collapse of network interpersonal relationship, and they can come out at any time when they feel uncomfortable and communicate with others with confidence.
Even under the protection of aliases, you can share your most intimate experiences and feelings with strangers. So instead, I see a lot of helpful behaviors on the Internet, especially those information exchanges that don't have to expose themselves in the real world. A few years ago, I also went to International News Corporation to ask questions because of a computer failure. Within a week, I got detailed answers from many enthusiastic netizens in the United States, Australia and other places. The practical experience of these netizens shows that the online self-identity exploration game will not become only struggle and deception because of aliases, or the actions of participants to explore themselves, or even the influence of capital and power in the game. On the contrary, the information that happens in the forum all the time is true. Selfless information exchange is the most valuable part of network interpersonal relationship, and it is also the reason why many netizens become cauldrons.
We don't need to worry that the interpersonal relationship on the internet is unreliable and illusory, because it is established through a mask, because personal identity is always formed in a certain social context. In the long-term interaction with others, we gradually develop a personal self-awareness, including who I am, who I am, how I became like this, and what I expect to do in the future and what kind of person I want to be.
Personal mask is actually the role that society expects him to play, and the original meaning of the word person is mask. When we create and play the role we choose in this way, this mask becomes a part of our personality. Just like learning how to be a good student from school education, we are also learning what is appropriate behavior in the game of exploring self-identity and interacting with others. The norms behind these roles are gradually internalized into our values and moral judgments. Therefore, the interpersonal relationship on the network still has its socialization function.
However, we still need to understand that the effectiveness of virtual communities must be based on our expectations. Internet was originally designed to keep the national defense communication unblocked, and later became a convenient channel for information exchange between scientists or scholars. Now it has become our private media and mass media. The main utility of the Internet can be said to supplement the shortcomings and limitations of the original communication channels. Understand the internet and people on it.