my proposal

Anonymity is easily defined, but not easily understood. As we have started researching the concept, I have become intrigued by the contrast between identity and anonymity. I think that a study of Facebook will provide a unique perspective into anonymity, or the lack thereof. I would like to research the phenomenon that Facebook has created in our society. Facebook is changing the way we communicate, the way we think, the way we advertise. This networking device has united people and allowed us to have the most personal details of people’s lives at our fingertips in a few clicks of the mouse. However, Facebook could also be the downfall of relationships as we know them. The intimate, face-to-face conversations of the past have been reduced to writing on an acquaintance’s wall or tagging them in a note. Facebook may have brought us together, but is it also tearing us apart?

At the same time, Facebook and other networking systems have provided all of us with an opportunity at microcelebrity. Our Facebook profiles allow us to share irrelevant personal information with the world. They allow us to brag about our accomplishments and show off our finest qualities. Other people notice, and we receive attention. We have found a way to create our own significance, or at least try. Is the significance that people had before not good enough? There must be a reason that our society is searching for more. What is the draw of Facebook? Is it proving that you fit in? Or trying to stand out?