project idea

Identity

Pictures, symbols, icons, avatars and digital characters are emerging more than ever in the digital world as a way to identify ourselves.  Why do we choose certain and very specific names, symbols or icons to visually represent, or in many cases, misrepresent who and what we are?  Many of us log onto our computers with a thumbnail sized icon attached to our name.  What is the layered meaning behind choosing a flower over an abstract background, or uploading a picture of ourselves, or of something/someone special to us?  I think that there are many reasons why we try to personalize our digital experience, and why we feel the need to humanize our computers.  We name them, refer to them, and depend on them.  We have serious relationships with them.  They become an extension of us just as our Avatar does.  It is fascinating how we choose to digitally represent and/or misrepresent ourselves.  Through Second Life the user is responsible for the visual representation of their Avatar.  I am curious to evaluate how users portray themselves digitally and how that may/may not differ from their real physical form, and to explore the deeper meaning of what it all means.  Obviously, in a digital "second life" realm the user can be who he/she wants.  But, why do many people misrepresent themselves?  I'm not convinced that I will have a finite answer to these questions, but I hope to have a better understanding of visual communication as a whole at the end of the semester.