Unwrapping Identity Online » Updates

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.

Join the New Facebook Group!

Deepthi — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:09:32 +0000

UIO’s Facebook Page has launched, and we hope you’ll join us for great discussions about the intersection of globalization and digital culture. We’re also looking for international transplants in New York for interviews and more. If you are interested, please get in touch!

Welcome

Deepthi — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:59:05 +0000

Unwrapping Online Identity has gone live! There isn’t a whole lot here yet, but the site will act as a journal and repository for research and results from the project. Read the abstract on the About page for more information.

We’ll slowly be adding sections on the survey, profiles, and resources.