Friendster: Representation of Digital Identity, Profiles as Conversations in a Networked Culture

Abstract

The study investigated how females represent their identities in a networked culture, specifically the Friendster. It explored (1) the meaning, history and latest features of Friendster, (2) the factors that made the website appealing to its male users and (3) how females project their identities in the digital world. The researcher draw on the data gathered from 150 females that are Friendster users, aged 18-24, who answered the online questionnaire, to analyze the role of profiles in self-presentation. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the frequency and percentage of each choice for every question was given importance. The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with three female participants further gave light to the results of the questionnaire. The results of the study proved that females reinvent their identities in their Friendster profiles with the attempt to look more interesting to other users, so as to attract more friends or potential lovers. They prefer to impress the viewers of their profiles by highlighting desirable aspects of themselves. They build up their identity online because they are conscious of how other users might perceive them. Moreover, the study also revealed that Friendster is appealing to its users because of its unique features that facilitate selfpresentation and its ability to connect and reconnect with people.