Specifically, the opportunity for exaggerated, unreal portrayals of self lead many to question the validity of substantial, and truthful online interaction. As Jordan (1999: 88) argues, “…identity fluidity supports the masquerades and experiments of avatars…the ability to change gender, the ability to contact experts…�. In the physical world, such social experiments as playing with the alternation of gender or creating a completely different social background for the purpose of research, become far more complex and are less likely to occur. Alternatively, the Internet offers its users the potential to explore identity more easily and often most importantly, the ability to do so, anonymously.
Katherine H on 24 May 10This article talks about the effects that the Internet is having on English professors and researchers. It mentions the increased research and publishing possibilities, the opportunities provided by email, and the opinions of academics - many of whom were reluctant to accept these new technologies as equal to traditional methods.
