According to Jill Walker Rettberg (2014) "there are three distinct modes of self-representation in digital media: written, visual and quantitative" (p1).
To successfully complete the assessment, choose a digital self-representation practice (i.e. productivity hacking, fitness tracking) or platform (i.e. a lifestyle blog, a hook-up app) and research it in detail.
Your investigation should take account of each aspect of the 'circuit of culture' (DuGay et al 1997/2013) and the affordances of any technologies involved (i.e. mobile phones, wearable devices).
Also consider the ways your chosen practice is similar to, or different from earlier and/or non-digital practices of self-representation.
I'm thinking about Instagram/hook up application
•Present your findings in the form of a) a 2500 word academic research essay, or b) a 2500 word whitepaper. In all cases, your work must be fully referenced according to SAM guidelines.
•Academic essays and white papers should be submitted via a word doc or pdf (in Turnitin). This assessment is supported by tutorial activities.
Use APA (ie in-text) referencing, and include a reference list at the end of essay or white paper.
For a ‘how-to', see https://student.unsw.edu.au/american- psychological-association-apa-referencing-system.
Explain
1. How the digital platform/practice you have chosen can be understood via the circuit of culture/circuit of labour model;
2. The affordances of digital practice/platform you have chosen;
3. How the digital platform/practice facilitates self-representation;
4. How the digital platform/practice is similar to/different from earlier and/or non- ?digital practice or platforms.
If you choose the whitepaper option you must also define your audience, and the problems the digital platform/practice will solve for them (in basic terms).
Document your investigation of your chosen platform or practice.
1)The ‘walkthrough method' (Burgess et al 2015) offers a good systematic approach. Also wish to include autoethnographic observations (ie relate your own experience of the platform or practice to broader academic and non-academic research). It's fine to use first person if this seems appropriate.
2) Place the platform or practice in a historical context - how is it similar (or different) to earlier technologies and practices? (ie blogs vs pen and paper diaries).
3) Explain your investigations with explicit reference to ‘the circuit of culture' and ‘affordances. You may of course introduce other concepts that fit your particular case study.
Your essay thesis statement might read:
"How is [my chosen digital self-representation platform or practice] is similar to, or different from earlier and/or non-digital practices of self-representation? This essay explores [my chosen practice] via a sociotechnical approach, taking particular account of the 'circuit of culture' (DuGay et al 1997/2013) and the affordances of any technologies involved".