Personality Development Online

Paper Summary:

This paper presents a detailed examination of personal implications of the Internet. The writer explores the way people use the Internet to develop personalities and become part of online communities worldwide. The paper takes a look at the well-known site, Myspace.com as well as other sites. The writer argues that stereotypes have a significant impact on perception as people come online where no one can see them and become whatever they wish.

From the Paper:

"The technological boom of the past 20 years has taken mankind to heights never before dreamed possible. Today with the click of a button one can plan and take vacations, manage stocks, shop worldwide and chat with people around the globe. While the ability to shop and pay for purchases is fun, there have been many years of paying for things in alternative fashion including credit card by phone. The real innovation when it comes to the Internet experience is the connection with other people. The Internet community has provided an explosion of new availability to explore other cultures and communities. In addition, the Internet provides an arena to become whatever and whoever one wants to become. The young man who is so shy at school can become a football hero online simply by typing that he is one. The woman who weighs 400 pounds and has never had a date can become a professional model online and woo the men who "chat" with her under her screen name of "Glamourbabe". Regardless of what a person seems to be in real life they can go online and become someone completely different. People who spend time online often participate in two kinds of communication. They are involved with emails that they may send to family and friends one on one, and they are often also involved in an online community in which they take part in open discussion with the entire group through chatrooms or message board/newsgroups. Myspace.com and other Internet sites have recently come under fire when predators have taken on different personalities through the sites and lured youngsters to their death or harm by pretending to be someone they aren't as well."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kaplan, Michele (2000) THE RELATIONSHIP OF INTERNET USE TO DEPRESSION AND SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG ADOLESCENTS. Journal on Adolescence;
• Teens Charged With MySpace.com Extortion AP Online (2006)
• Americans Use the Internet to Build Social Networks and Receive Assistance http://www.afpnet.org/ka/ka-3.cfm?folder_id=2545&content_item_id=23474
• Kirby, Cassie (2006) Another Lexington officer apologizes: CROMER SAYS HE'S SORRY IF ANYONE WAS OFFENDED BY COMMENTS ON MYSPACE.COM. Lexington Herald-Leader (Lexington, KY)
• Sambides, Nick (2006) Parents protest MySpace.com suspensions. Bangor Daily News (Bangor, ME)

More papers on Personality Development Online:

• Research Paper # 140965 : "Online Social Networking"
• Analytical Essay # 115749 : "Internet and Personal Relationships"
• Marketing Plan # 120530 : "Web Site Marketing"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: