Performativity

Performativity is a way of defining identity that is characterized by viewing identity is a series of performances. These performances are not seen as being “conscious” acts (7). This view of identity sees it as a construct that is established over time based on these repetitive performances, rather than something that is a permanent attribute of an individual (7-8). It is a production that occurs in both online and offline social spheres; online, social networking sites provide platforms for individuals to establish their identity through their online activity (14-15). Offline, performativity can be seen as the collection of social interactions, networking, and community interactions that contribute to one’s identity (21).

According to Rob Cover, paying attention to how identity is performed in online social networking will lead us to understand identity in the context of online communication and digital media cultures. People all over form and invent identities online giving some social network platforms one sole purpose. Cover shares another approach to understanding social networking and identity, which is to observe some of the ways in which social networking activities are performative acts of identity which actively constitute the user. Cover explores social networking through Butler's theories of identity performativity and concludes that, "it is possible to show that social networking activities and behaviors are both a means by which subjectivity can be performed and stabilized and, simultaneously, made more complex and conflicting."

Cover's two competing ways online performance of subjectivity are articulated: 1) Modifying your own profile: a. developing the profile through choosing particular categories of common identity and providing particular information that is a performance of identity ; b. ongoing activities such as status updates and other forms of sharing, updating, refining, and manipulating your profile 2) Identifying in a relational sense with various friends and networks ; a. through adding and accepting; b. declaring who your friends are by adding, updating, changing, or deleting. These are examples of performances of self-identity.

Works Cited

Cover, Robert. “Understanding Identity Online: Social Networking”. London: Elsevier AP, 2016. Print.