Hello, I hope you are doing well.
Today, I will need your help with a reflection paper for my communication class. I will need you first to read the 3 first chapter in the book (link for the book:
) : Read: Chapter 1 – The Communication Process // Chapter 2 – Communication & Perception // Chapter 3 – Verbal Communication. After reading the 3 chapters, you can start the reflection paper, all the instruction are attached.
COM 100 – Introduction to Communication Studies
Prof. Janet Douglas-Pryce
Reflection Paper: Online Identity
Instructions:
In this assignment you will attempt to analyze your own online identity.
This requires the ability to distant yourself and reflect critically. To help you in this process,
follow these next steps:
Step 1: collecting data
1. Find a computer that does not have your information (that is, NOT your phone or your
personal computer). I recommend a library computer or someone else’s device.
2. Search for your name on google or a different web browser.
a. If you have a very popular name, try to narrow the search by adding some general
information about you, such as state or school. Something a person that just met
you might know about you.
3. Find at least three online references for yourself.
These can be: your work profile or website, a news story with your name, a social media
profile (see step 2), a professional profile, phonebook information, etc.
4. Gather all demographic information available.
5. Gather any other clear identity makers (awards, fandoms, family ties, etc…)
6. Write down everything you collected.
Step 2: collecting personal data
1. Ask a friend to use their social media account.
2. Search for your own profile.
3. Examine what is available in the profile section (the “about” in Facebook, for example)
a. Does it match the data you collected in step 1?
b. Can you learn anything else about your identity from this section?
4. See what you shared lately a. Are there any political or social markers? (e.g., have you
published a news story supporting/opposing Trump) b. Are there any cultural markers?
(E.g., have you shared about any music event you participated or opinions about a TV
show/film/book you like, etc.) c. Are there any other identity markers present in the
data you have shared?
5. Collect this new information and write it down.
6. Do this for two different social media platforms (for example, Facebook and
tinder/twitter/Instagram). a. Note: If you only have account in one social media
platform, gather as much information as possible. If you do not have accounts in any
social media platforms, reflect also on how that presents your online identity.
Step 3: write down your reflection
For this exercise, we are using the online information like a mirror, which reflects our own
identity. Looking at your two lists from steps 1+2, write a 250-400 words essay, reflecting on
your reflection. Answer these questions: who are you online? What are some of your identity
markers (regarding race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, etc.)? What are some of the cultural and
Adapted from Ruth Tsuria, Seton Hall University
COM 100 – Introduction to Communication Studies
Prof. Janet Douglas-Pryce
Reflection Paper: Online Identity
political aspects of your identity, as it is reflected online? How does this make you feel? Do you
recognize the person reflected?
Rubric or Scoring Guide:
1) Two complete lists that have at list 10 items (20 points)
2) Critical and reflective ideas communicated in the paper (30 points)
3) Clear style and correct grammar (10 points)
4) The ability to articulate cultural and political markers (20 points)
5) The ability to reflect on the communication aspects of identity construction (20 points)
Adapted from Ruth Tsuria, Seton Hall University