In Huffaker and Calverts study, I found many points of focus between male and female identity online. They found that men would more openly use language that is aggressive or offensive to other online users or on blog sites. One interesting point is that women discuss more personal, intimate topics and usually include emoticons to express their mood or idea. Men, however use emoticons as well but usually to other females, not Maithili conversations to other men. I feel that these online gender based roles are ver appropriate ideas that correlate well to the real life presentation of a person.
One personal thought I had discussing gender and blogging in particular is that from following a few girlfriends blogs, and my blog analysis, is that women usually share as much positive information on their blog as possible. Making many followers see all of the “pretty” parts of their life. I get it, they don’t want to share their dirt or complain publicly on a blog site, but, c’mon your life isn’t that perfect, right?
As far as gender throughout this class or other online classes I have been a part of, I can definitely tell between a few of the race. Just life Huffaker and Calvert mentioned, it’s the personal stories shared. Men seem to be a little more reserved with sharing these life details.
I completely agree that many females try to show only the positive aspects of their lives. A quick glance through instagram shows pretty plates of food, perfectly taken “selfies,” and other awesome shots of our lives. However, I can totally see where they’re coming from. Most of my Facebook friends never see me in real life, and if they go to my profile and see a bunch of negative complaints, that will change their opinion of me (even if they don’t realize it).
If you would combine the two points you noticed about women you will get the reason why do women talk about their goodside. As a women, I can tell you that we are more emotional because we go through more things that men don’t experience, such as, getting pregnant and that time of the month, which would affect our hormons and make us more sensetive, moody, and emotional. And because we use our emotions more we care more about the others;therefore, we decide to share only the positive things in ourlives to make people around us and our beloved happy.
I agree that some people only want to show that part of their which makes them desirable to others. But isn’t that the nature of being who you want online. It would completely defy norm to expose that which puts you in a negative light.
I agree female do try to share the positive side of everything and online actually makes it easier to hide and cover up the negative things. However, Facebook tends to show the good and the bad. Men are more reserved and hold back more than women.
I agree that people tend to only post positive things. I think this is true for life in general and not necessarily attributed to online communication. In offline communication, if you as a person how they are doing they are most likely going to say “fine” even if they are not fine. I think it’s common for people to not want to be seen as downers and want to not burden others with unpleasant information.
I am one of those “positive” people when it comes to my Facebook page. But, I really am an optimistic person. Even if I am having the worst day ever, I still try to look on the bright side of things and to take something positive from it. I know my life’s not perfect by any means. I am a very private person anyways and I don’t share all my business online. I am also very honest and if I do have an issue with someone, I will go to that person and talk to them about it. I do not feel the need to post back handed, passive agressive comments on Facebook because then it invites a whole slew of people into the conversation. In my opinion, the conversation only needs to be between the two people that are having an issue.
I agree with your observation that women tend to share the positives and do not air their dirty laundry as freely. I personally do the same traits you have outlined. I cannot stand people who constantly post negative but never really thought about my positive postings being seen as “pretty” parts of my life. This chapter and your comments have enlightened me to find a balance an maybe throw in a :( every once in a while so it doesn’t appear that I do not have ups and downs.
Your point about the tendency women have to post the “pretty” things of life rings true; the Pinterest craze comes to mind almost immediately. Perhaps the reason for this goes back to the idea that women often communicate to share feelings and experiences, whereas men often communicate to accomplish more concrete goals. This is likely an over-simplification of the phenomenon, but it’s something to think about.
Social media sites like Facebook and twitter definitely show the positive and negative side of both genders. There are a lot of people who keep their identities hidden but sometimes you can determine their gender just by reading posts and comments.