Theory 1 Post-modernism: Globalisation

Question 1

AO1:Postmodernism:

Answer 1

is an unstable fragmented, media saturated global village, where image and reality are indistinguishable.

Question 2

AO1:Summary of postmodernist views on global forms of digital communication:

Answer 2

1. Digital communication represents new ways in which people can create their identity giving them greater agency. Leading to both positive and negative effects of social relationships.
2. Individuals can choose which parts of their identity are most relevant to them and explore and maintain these online.

Question 3

AO2:Jean Baudrillard: Positive view:

Answer 3

On social networking sites, we create profiles which represent ourselves in the virtual world. Baudrillard calls this ‘simulacra’, a mediated version of our identity.

Question 4

AO2:Collins (2005): Positive view:

Answer 4

In order to understand society, we must understand the chains of interactions between people. This can be successful by examining how individuals construct their online identities compared to their offline identity.

Question 5

AO2:Bjorklund (1998):

Answer 5

Facebooks new autobiography defines lives and peoples different view of when defining themselves.

Question 6

AO3: Analysis and Evaluation of Bjorklund:

Answer 6

Strength:
- Identifies a significant development in society, autobiographies, which has now been taken over by the social media and is regularly used.
Weakness:
- The study is outdated.

Question 7

AO2:Hart (2011):

Can be both negative and positive view:

Answer 7

Individuals today are writing and rewriting their autobiographies today on a daily basis, which reflects their own values and society.

Question 8

AO2:Elliot (2001): Negative View:

Answer 8

Offers a pessimistic view about the fragmented nature of Facebook identity.

Question 9

AO2:Case (2007): Negative View:

Answer 9

The nature of social media makes it harder to remove mistakes, as every interaction is visible, like an audit trail. Moreover, this can present a challenge to those adolescence who live two lives: one online and one offline.

Question 10

AO2: Castells (2015): Positive view on digital social media networks:

Answer 10

Social media has made it easier for people to share ideas and start campaigns to change society.