Unwrapping Identity Online » Uncategorized

Transnationals and Media

Deepthi — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:09:06 +0000

Global populations today are connected across regional boundaries in ways never before possible, strengthening vibrant diasporic communities as well as complex hybrid individual identities. Transnationals—some who have come with the intention of establishing a new life in the US, others who are here with a specific goal and plan to later return to their home countries and families—rely heavily on social networks, both online and offline, to form and maintain relationships with multiple communities and cultures.

This study looks at how online tools like branded social networks [1], photo and video communities, and email and IM services help people around the world manage their relationships, impacting conceptions and formations of cultural practice and identity. The study focuses on uncovering and exploring a set of digital practices around identity expression and construction as they emerge online and off among transnational populations.

Please share any comments, reactions or questions you may have, I would love to hear them.

– Deepthi

The following map displays the 62 different countries represented in the International Communication Survey.

[1] I favor the term branded social network to refer to communities like Facebook. Read the full exploration of this shift in terminology.

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Deepthi — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 15:54:39 +0000

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Survey Results Coming Soon!

Deepthi — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:41:50 +0000

Many many thanks to all who participated in the International Communication Survey, a survey of transnationals living in the United States and how they use media.

146 qualified respondents completed the survey!

Respondents were recruited through three outreach efforts: an email announcement, a general message board announcement, and short announcements posted to three branded social networks (Facebook, Twitter, and Google’s recently launched Buzz service). All respondents were asked general demographic questions along with a series of questions to identify media habits and frequency. Full results coming in April!

Informed Consent Guidelines

Deepthi — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:39:49 +0000

Request for Consent
I, Deepthi Welaratna, would like to ask for your participation in a survey on the use of media for my thesis in Media Studies at The New School. The purpose of this consent form is to give you the information you will need to help you decide whether or not to complete the survey. This process is called ‘informed consent.’

Purpose and Benefits
The International Communication Survey asks questions about your background and use of media in order to better understand transnational communication habits. In exchange for your participation in this survey, you will be entered into a drawing for one of four (4) gift cards to Amazon.com worth $25 each. There are no other personal benefits to participating in this survey.

Procedures and Participation
The survey will take approximately fifteen (15) minutes to complete. You will be asked questions about your personal history and the ways in which you use media in your daily life. You may exit the survey at any time if you do not wish to answer any of the questions. You will not be asked to disclose any private information other than standard demographic information. The data will be confidential and only the researcher will have access to the data. SurveyMonkey will not use the information collected from this surveys in any way, shape, or form. Identifiable information will be used only for the purposes of the drawing or to contact you if you agree to participate in future studies and follow-up interviews. Participation in this survey is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to participate or withdraw from participation at any time without jeopardizing your employment, student status or any other entitlements.

Contact Information
If at any time you have questions regarding the research or your participation, you should contact the investigator, Deepthi Welaratna, who will answer all questions. She can be reached at (XXX) XXX-XXXX (c) or XXXX@newschool.edu.

Participant’s Statement
I have read the above purpose of the study, and understand my role in participating in the research. I volunteer to take part in this research. I understand that I may refuse to participate or withdraw from participation at any time without jeopardizing my employment, student status or other rights to which I am entitled. I certify that I am 18 years of age or older and freely give my consent to participate in this study.

If you agree to participate in this survey, please enter your name and contact information at the end of the survey. This information will also be used for the purposes of the drawing mentioned above.