Description

A recent concern has developed regarding what identity construction has been translated into within the backdrop of burgeoning amounts of computer-mediated communication and social-networking sites. Studies have addressed titanic social-networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace, but they have failed to adequately address the issue of whether or not these sites encourage or discourage the construction of an authentic self. Within this thesis, I take up that question and utilize the theoretical model provided by Dr. Corey Anton, author of Selfhood and Authenticity. I trace the development of social-networking sites, provide background information on Facebook and its use, and ultimately bring to bear four principles of Corey Anton’s authenticity to show that our use of Facebook does not promote authentic identity construction.