In order to establish an understanding of New Media, we recently examined the opinions of Donath and Boyd (2004) as well as Pearson (2009) on the privacy of Social Networking sites.
In order to form this understanding, we are adopting the metaphor of the ‘Clear Curtain’, which uses the same concept as Pearson’s ‘Glass Window’. That is, any expression or conversation a networker openly publishes without their ‘curtain drawn’ which is available for any of their connections to explore and witness if they choose (Pearson 2009, ¶11).
However, this may be their aim, as most social networkers are using these sites as a means of expression, communication, connection and sharing. These applications may be seen to resemble the ‘physical means’ of connection mentioned by Donath and Boyd (Donath 2004, 72).
Alternatively they may wish to address a friend or group in particular, consequently they would ‘draw the curtain’ and address them directly. This suggests to their network connections that the content doesn’t concern them, however the ‘curtain is clear’ and they may therefore choose to witness the interaction or not.
Though this may be seen as a lack of privacy most networkers are aware of this and may avoid it with the use of another platform. There are however many more detrimental privacy breaches within social networking sites, which the examined authors have elaborated upon.
Text References
Donath, J. and D. Boyd. 2004. Public displays of connection. BT Technology Journal. 22 (4): 71-82.
Pearson, E. 2009. All the World Wide Web's a stage: the Performance of Identity in Online Social Networks. First Monday. 14 no. 3.
Image Reference
Personal Shoplifter.com. 2011. Art. http://personalshoplifter.com/tag/art (accessed March 13, 2011).
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