Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Heisler and Crabill Article
This article discussed perceptions that are generated from an email username. This was an interesting article because I usually don't give much attention to an username. I am curious sometimes are to why or how some people choose their names. Some names that contains numbers raise questions about their significance to the user. Creative usernames are viewed as either funny or simply entertaining. The article stated that creative names, when participating in a group project, could alter how others in the group will perceive that individual. I guess I wouldn't want to work or depend on someone with the username of sober4alilbit. Most people, like myself, simply use portions of their names to generate an username. Maybe I need to change my username in order to be perceived as being more creative and edgy.
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7 comments:
I love this!!
I was interested in the part of the reading that touched on how people with hectic lifestyles use the internet because it's easy and convienient right from their home. People can chat with others, shop, play games, etc. and it is easy to fit that in a busy schedule. Most of the readings focus on shy, lonely, introverted individuals as being the only ones who use the internet, but FINALLY someone touches on poeple who are not like that and who are active and busy. I am busy and I love to sit down in my apartment and email my family in Boston, it's kind of my relaxing time for the day.
I also thought it was very interesting about the usernames gain so much attention. I can still catch myself sometimes trying to figure out what peoples' screen names mean or email addresses. Overtime I have changed mine quite a few times because they seemed immature as I grew older and I did not want someone to think that about me. So, yes I can definitely see how people create an image of someone else just based on a username that they create. They obviously picked that name for a reason, so it usually means something.
I completely understand the logic behind how usernames create certain images. It may be cute at a young age to have a name like prettyprincessX, but how can someone expect to be taken seriously as they age?
I had the same screen name up until I came to college. My email address also matched its immaturity. It was almost embarrassing at that point when you had to give your email address out. So believe me, I changed that one.
As a business major also, where the expectations of you are nothing but straight faces and number crunching it seems, we've been drilled with concepts of professionalism. Creative usernames are highly frowned upon.
Aside from practical application, I agree with Leslie. 'Sober4alilbit' creates the impression that you'll be lucky to reach them in the short time they are sober. Doesn't create a very positive picture, does it?
I'd rather look and sound professional than take the chance of someone misinterpreting or making character judgements based on my username.
I think that usernames are definitely an important aspect of internet identity. It is the first thing that identifies you to another person, and sometimes the other person will choose to talk or not talk to you soley based on your username. I agree with Erin in the fact that there is a maturity level involved in screen names and you may not be taken as seriously if you have something a bit immature. In general, I think people like to goof around with the idea of a different identity and a username that catches peoples attention. I know that I am going to rethink my AIM screen name after reading this article haha!
Dude(s)--
You'd be surprised how much faculty and employers note "funky" emails and IM names! :-)
I would strongly encourage you all to get a professional one (or ones) for interacting with profs and companies!!
It's ok to have a couple of "identities" for different purposes!
It was interesting to me how much the participants could tell just by looking at a username. I think your username can say a lot about you. It stated in the article that in interpersonal settings mediated behavior could mirrow self-presentation. If I did chat I would defintly check out your username before I started talking to you or choosing to talk to you. I think it is also important when you are dealing in the business world, as to how serious one might take you. I have gone through a few usernames myself, but now mine are pretty ordinary name and bday most of the time.
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