Talk:Cara Baughman
Dear Cara,
I think this is a very good segment on how you connect yourself with Facebook. You make a lot of good points on authenticity and embodiment of yourself, the limitations preventing you from expressing yourself fully on Facebook, and choice that users are granted. More specifically, I believe if you added an example of a Facebook feature such as a photo or post explaining one of these examples such as the limitations of you expressing your humor, it would complement that section. For example, are there any posts or experiences you have dealt with that would stray away from your goal of creating an online identity as similar to you as possible? What challenges have you faced in some of the limitations on Facebook?
Also, I agree with what you say about people should form an online identity true to themselves. I think that would be a great way to solve some of the issues presented on Facebook. However, it seems like a difficult task since people use Facebook for different reasons other than personal expression and interaction. Perhaps you may consider people who are not as invested as your are in Facebook. What should they do to hold true to their identity?
Overall, I enjoyed reading this article as you portrayed a vivid picture on your thoughts about Facebook through incorporating several themes. Personally, I can relate to your high school views on Facebook because I was the same way, but eventually lost investment into Facebook. Furthermore, you make a strong point about choice and free will as important factors of addressing ethical issues which I think will help maintain a sufficient community on Facebook
-Johnson
Cara,
You did an excellent job of providing an authentic and detailed explanation of how you embody yourself on Facebook. I found your analysis of your Avatar very insightful--several times you described ideas that I often think about, but failed to consider or put into words when analyzing my Avatar. For example, I often think about the effects the interaction between my offline and online self have on my self-concept, and you did a wonderful job of describing this interaction. I also found your observation that an observer of your profile wouldn't be able to form an accurate judgment of your personality from merely looking at one aspect of your profile and rather needs to evaluate the entirety of your profile to form a holistic representation of you particularly astute; and I feel that this idea is often overlooked, especially because it is easy to fall into the trap of limiting your analysis to a few different aspects of the Facebook profile. Personally, I found your discussion particularly interesting and insightful, especially because your attitude toward how well your Facebook Avatar embodies you differs from mine.
You analysis was incisive, perceptive, and transparent. Because of this, I believe you put an honest effort into your assessment of your Avatar. In addition, your writing flowed logically from one idea to another and was well-crafted. You get an "A" from me.
Desmond
