Although the Baron reading was a specific study concerned with AOL instant messaging away messages, I can certainly see how its findings apply to other social media channels (or Social Awareness Streams). The idea that users construct images of themselves for the purpose of self-presentation manifests itself all over the place on Facebook and Twitter. The Naanman, Boase and Lai research, for instance, found that the majority of Twitter users focus on the self when Tweeting. I credit it to narcissism and egocentricity. As a random sample, the first message in my Facebook feed right now reads “Looking forward to a Walking Dead marathon tonight at the (REMOVED NAME) house. Perfect Friday night!” That status means absolutely nothing to anyone else, save for the person who typed it and/or the people in his/her household. So what was the purpose of this person’s post? I would conjecture that he or she is determined to let other people know (or lead them to believe) that he or she is really happy with their evening schedule (and possibly with their life in general). Baron remarked that “online sites are also places for constructing images of how you wish others to perceive you.”
The Baron study also found that some users intentionally mis-represent themselves. Apparently, Manti T’eo missed this memo. I especially enjoyed this example in the Baron article: “dinner with Mark and dancing all night” , which really meant at home alone watching TV. CMC affords us the ability to create our own identities and, in some instances, lie to make things look better.
The content analysis section of the Baron article found two main categories of messages within AIM IM away messages, one of which was entertainment. Baron also noted that “more often than not, if there’s an opportunity for humor, the user takes it.” The article said the motivation to entertain or be humorous was related to the opportunity CMC affords for self-expression. I’d be interested to see that topic explored further, because as an avid Twitter user it does seem that humor is used a great deal. The Davison article, which analyzed the definition and spread of memes, also noted that humor is one of the most common types of Internet memes. The article on memes was interesting because I never officially knew what a meme was before reading this article. I had an idea, but I wasn’t certain on the exact qualifications. For instance, I did not realize that emoticons were considered memes. Their use and replication is so widespread in large part because they are easy and quick to use.