Transformation of Self Presentation in Virtual Space

Abstract

Technology detaches people from time and space and puts different contextual structures before them. First caused by traditional media, this rupture prevails in virtuality, resulting in a paradigm shift in space and self. Virtual space, like the physical world, witnesses a collective production. In other words, contrary to popular belief, virtual space has a connection with reality and allows the subject to reproduce herself. However, virtual space has a sense of space that breaks down contexts in the physical world. The space of new media uncovers the self-presentation where public and private boundaries are blurred. The desire for visibility conflicts with privacy. The subject presents herself in a space where the boundary between the front stage and backstage becomes fuzzy. The change in our perception of space in virtuality transforms privacy, and the desire of subjects to meet their identity needs affects their self-presentation. This study investigated the interrelated transformations in space and self resulting from the paradigm shift induced by advances in technology. For this purpose, semiological analysis was conducted on a YouTube video criticizing the virtuality in Instagram. The result of the research has shown that people consume space while making self presentations and the consumed space transforms privacy.Technology detaches people from time and space and puts different contextual structures before them. First caused by traditional media, this rupture prevails in virtuality, resulting in a paradigm shift in space and self. Virtual space, like the physical world, witnesses a collective production. In other words, contrary to popular belief, virtual space has a connection with reality and allows the subject to reproduce herself. However, virtual space has a sense of space that breaks down contexts in the physical world. The space of new media uncovers the self-presentation where public and private boundaries are blurred. The desire for visibility conflicts with privacy. The subject presents herself in a space where the boundary between the front stage and backstage becomes fuzzy. The change in our perception of space in virtuality transforms privacy, and the desire of subjects to meet their identity needs affects their self-presentation. This study investigated the interrelated transformations in space and self resulting from the paradigm shift induced by advances in technology. For this purpose, semiological analysis was conducted on a YouTube video criticizing the virtuality in Instagram. The result of the research has shown that people consume space while making self presentations and the consumed space transforms privacy.