Postmodernism

& Social
Networking

L.O: To look at the ways that

facebook could be considered to be
Can you think of any way fb
could be pomo?

Facebook & Hyperreality

 How does fb demonstrate
hyperreality?
We are representing hyperreal versions of ourselves.
Profile pictures
Photos
Untagging
Statuses
Sharing

We are carefully constructing, refining and shaping

simulations of ourselves.
We often read the fb stories of others as "real". They
really do look that good/have such a hot partner/go on
fab holidays/have so much fun.
 Creating Micro Narratives
We are making up a story about the person that is supposedly
ourselves. Individuals can author and re-author micro-
autobiographies on fb. The presentation of self takes on multiple
forms online and offline.
Multiplicity and decenteredness of meaning.

Selves are being formed as they place themselves in the role of

the other to communicate. Everything we post contributes to
the representation of ourselves - it all adds to the construct of
"This is me". And because of this we construct these selves with
the interpretations of others in mind.

Fb autobiographers share their lives, reflect on their identity and

anticipate the response of their audience - all pomo concepts.
 A rejection of grand narratives
Jan 2013: 1.06 billion monthly active users
Facebook's rejection of grand narratives in
favour of individual cultural fragments is
postmodern.
Arab spring, #yesallwomen, anti-vaxxers,
conspiracy theorists, HONY doing the
refugee series etc
Rejecting "truth".
 Social networking can appear
superficial and trivial (criticisms levied
at postmodernism) but is in fact
identities being negotiated in real time
(pomo says everything has cultural
value).
Filiciak- lets read the article.
Choose one line per page
that you find interesting
and relevant to Facebook.
Write a PEEL paragraph
about EITHER
hyperidentities OR
rejection of grand
narratives where you
reference Filiciak.