About
Unwrapping Identity Online investigates identity constructions and expressions in the digital space among transnationals.
In this study, three separate research components explores this intersection of globalization and media in complementary ways. First, a comparative look at six global online social networks (Facebook, Orkut, MySpace, Friendster, Hi5, and Bebo) approaches identity from a sociological standpoint, examining embedded structures of meaning that shape collective identity expression online. Second, an online quantitative survey provides a snapshot of media use within the transnational community currently residing in the US. A third ethnographic portion explores specific facets of individual identity construction and expression among members of the International Center of New York.
Unwrapping Identity Online is the master’s thesis project of Deepthi Welaratna and was conducted under the supervision of the department of Media Studies and Film at The New School.
The Logo
The project logo was developed around a stunning image of the Cat’s Eye Nebula as it undergoes a transformation near the end of its life. The composite image combines data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and Hubble Space Telescope to document how the star’s outer layers are stripped away to reveal its searing hot core. The image was originally found in The Commons on Flickr, a collection of public domain imagery.
The Creative Commons License (Attribution, Non-Commercial, Share-Alike 3.0 United States) under which the documents on Unwrapping Identity Online are shared requires the user to attribute the creator of the original document. An attribution notice must be placed in a visible location on any document or media files whose creation is based on or derived from, a document (or documents) from Unwrapping Identity Online. Attribution should include the text “source: unwrappingIdentity.com” with a link to the original material(s) or to the website homepage where possible.
Acknowledgements
First and foremost, I’d like to thank my primary advisor Dr. Laura Forlano for her experienced perspective on how to conduct ethnography in a new media environment. Our regular sessions were invaluable in helping me overcome obstacles and defining where to take the study. I am also greatly indebted to my second reader Dr. Terry Williams for his encouragement to go beyond my comfort zone as an ethnographer and to Mira Erickson for her kind support and sponsorship at the International Center of New York.
This project would not have been possible without the advice and support of my parents, Sri and Usha. In particular, my grateful appreciation goes out to my mother, whose trained eye and thoughtful feedback helped me shape the study throughout the research and writing stages. I’d also like to thank my brother Ruwan and my sister Sumudu for their long-distance support. Special thanks to Jon for his unending encouragement and valuable suggestions from beginning to end.
My friends, professional contacts, and academic colleagues demonstrated the power of online communities by helping me distribute the online survey to a far-flung audience of transnationals from 62 different countries. Charlotte, Cosgrove, Jolita, Joumana, and Katharine were particularly kind in helping me find sources and do outreach; and Graham, Paula, and Rashmee helped me proof and revise through multiple drafts.
Finally, I’d like to thank the staff and members of the International Center of New York for allowing me to join their community — a true microcosm of the dynamic, invigorating, challenging diversity that is New York City.
