The influences of technology: Understanding how technology contributes to who we are online

This paper seeks to propose a cross-disciplinary approach to the study of interpersonal communication using new media and of the electronic presentation of self by drawing upon the philosophy and social study of technology and computer mediated communication. Within the field of computer mediated communication much has been written about the extent to which interpersonal communication enabled by the Internet and other forms of new media technology leads to the formation of 'new spaces'. Several authors have argued that such is the radical nature of the new spaces that participants, may experiment with, and even challenge hegemonic systems of identity formation. A qualifying argument to this claim is offered. While in much previous work Internet technology is regarded as a neutral, passive yet enabling conduit through which communication may take place here a critical stance is taken towards technology. In this paper Internet technology is understood in the 'critical substantivist' terms of authors such as Feenberg, Latour and Chandler. Technology is regarded as something that far from being 'neutral', it is in fact a value-laden cultural artefact. Further in using the technology to communicate the user may be influenced in their presentation of self by the technology.