The Importance of Reality Maintenance in an Online Camming Site
INTRODUCTION
One of the most basic theories found in symbolic interactionism is the idea of reality maintenance and the thought that society is constantly being created through the interaction of individuals. A shared meaning must be found between the actors in a situation. This can be achieved by negotiation and acceptance of a pattern. Choices are then made within that created reality between the actors and it is then that subjective reality becomes objectively “real.” However, before this happens, an individual must portray an identity, use impression management to define the situation, and finally follow the process of reality maintenance. This research will explore the interworking factors of reality maintenance within an online camming website. How do these theoretical ideas apply to the site and what specific tactics are utilized by the models to maintain reality? The process of reality maintenance has been studied in face to face communication situations as seen in Goffman’s (1959) work. Lerum (2001) observed strip clubs, where reality maintenance could possibly be compromised. An online camming site embodies both these situations, …show more content…
This is achieved by an individual paying attention to the impression they’re giving off and making sure it confirms the definition of the situation (Goffman 1959). Goffman (1959) also introduced the idea of dramaturgy: the viewing of interactions as if they were stage productions or theatrical performances. This dramatic realization involves convincing the audience (the other people in an interaction) to accept what is being presented as real. This creates an interesting idea that as a participant in an interaction, an individual plays both the role of an actor and an audience
INTRODUCTION
One of the most basic theories found in symbolic interactionism is the idea of reality maintenance and the thought that society is constantly being created through the interaction of individuals. A shared meaning must be found between the actors in a situation. This can be achieved by negotiation and acceptance of a pattern. Choices are then made within that created reality between the actors and it is then that subjective reality becomes objectively “real.” However, before this happens, an individual must portray an identity, use impression management to define the situation, and finally follow the process of reality maintenance. This research will explore the interworking factors of reality maintenance within an online camming website. How do these theoretical ideas apply to the site and what specific tactics are utilized by the models to maintain reality? The process of reality maintenance has been studied in face to face communication situations as seen in Goffman’s (1959) work. Lerum (2001) observed strip clubs, where reality maintenance could possibly be compromised. An online camming site embodies both these situations, …show more content…
This is achieved by an individual paying attention to the impression they’re giving off and making sure it confirms the definition of the situation (Goffman 1959). Goffman (1959) also introduced the idea of dramaturgy: the viewing of interactions as if they were stage productions or theatrical performances. This dramatic realization involves convincing the audience (the other people in an interaction) to accept what is being presented as real. This creates an interesting idea that as a participant in an interaction, an individual plays both the role of an actor and an audience