Identity and Digital Communication: Concepts, Theories, Practices, authored by Rob Cover and released by Routledge in 2023, is a thought-provoking 193-page academic publication. It goes beyond the surface to explore the complex connection between identity, subjectivity, and the digital communication landscape. Think of it as an engaging journey through the intricate web of digital technologies, platforms, applications, and practices, and how they shape our perception of self, others, relationships, and even our physicality. This book isn’t just a typical academic read; it’s your guide to understanding the rapidly evolving world of communication. It’s like a companion that unveils the profound impact of these ever-changing aspects on how we view ourselves and the world around us. So, prepare for a deep dive into the profound ways in which digital technology intertwines with our daily lives, affecting our very sense of self and our interactions with the world.
Cover strongly argues that digital cultural practices are having a bigger say in shaping and keeping our identities intact. He makes this point by diving into important studies on identity, behavior, and representation. It’s like he’s painting a picture of how our sense of self is molded and how we come to understand it, all set against the backdrop of major and long-lasting changes in how we communicate online. Cover keeps driving home the idea that grasping these digital cultural practices is a big deal. It’s like the key to unlocking the secrets of identity in our ever-changing 21st-century world. This insight helps us make sense of how our identities form, especially in a time where the virtual and real worlds collide in new and surprising ways.
The first three chapters of Cover’s book discuss our identities and how they are more complex and fluid than ever before. We can create and express multiple identities through various avenues such as social media, video games, and other digital platforms. It’s empowering because we’re allowed to express ourselves fully, but at the same time we face challenges in maintaining a coherent sense of self. In Cover’s first chapter “Identities: Subjectivity and selfhood in a digital world,” we are introduced to concepts of theories of identity and how they are shaped and understood in the context of digital communication. Identity was originally seen as fixed and stable, but with the introduction of digital technologies that has been flipped upside down. We’re not able to construct multiple identities depending on the context.
The next two chapters discuss performativity among social media and online participation, as well as digital corporeality and identity. Chapter two focuses on the relationship between identity and performativity within social media. Cover’s argument is that people use social media to perform identities in ways that were previously not available. This can be done through sharing photos, videos and writing life updates on our social media feeds for the world to see. Essentially what Cover is saying is in a digital world, we can frame our lives how we want the world to perceive ourselves. Our posts on social media act as a window to get a glimpse into who we are while hiding parts of ourselves we don’t want to be known to the world. We do this so we can fit in better while building communities online and gaining social status. The third chapter revolves around identity and the body during the digital age. We see our bodies differently in this digital age. Social media influencers play a major role in this, as we are bombarded with images of physically fit people implying that’s how we should look in our daily lives. Cover also examines how this plays a role in body image issues and cyberbullying. A passage in chapter three that stood out was:
“…it is also a space in which discrimination based on visual stereotypes and the violences of sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, and other practices that respond violently to the bodies and identities of others is at play in ways less seen in physical face-to-face encounters and in other forms of media that use traditional gatekeeping practices such as television and film.”
We not only shape and mold our thoughts on our actual bodies this way, but we do so also in the form of digital avatars on social media and in video games.
One of the main advantages of Cover’s book is its wide coverage. It addresses various topics, including how social media affects identity and the ethical issues of deepfake technology. This makes the book valuable for students, teachers, and researchers. Another strong point of the book is its user-friendliness. Cover writes in a clear and engaging manner, effectively simplifying complex theoretical ideas for easy comprehension. This makes the book suitable for a broad readership, including those without prior knowledge of digital communication studies.
One issue with the book is that it mainly talks about how digital stuff works in Western countries. It does mention digital stuff in other places too, but it doesn’t go into much detail. This is a problem because most people using digital technology now live in the Global South. So, the book might not show the full picture of how digital stuff is different in those places. Another problem is that the author, Cover, sees digital technology to make people stronger and bring fairness. But he doesn’t talk much about the bad stuff that can happen with digital tech. It’s not just a force for good; it can also spread lies, mean words, and harmful information. By not mentioning these negative parts, the book might make digital tech seem better than it really is.
Rob Cover’s book, “Identity and Digital Communication,” is a compelling read for our digital age. It does a deep dive into how digital tech is reshaping our understanding of self, relationships, and body image. One significant theme is the “Keeping up with the Joneses” concept, especially magnified by social media. We’re constantly bombarded with carefully crafted images of seemingly ideal lives, which can easily lead us into a never-ending cycle of comparison and competition. Cover also highlights the less positive aspects of social media, particularly its effects on body image, mental well-being, and financial stability. Being mindful of these downsides and taking steps to safeguard ourselves is of utmost importance.
In summary, “Identity and Digital Communication” goes beyond academia. It serves as an awakening for all of us navigating this digital landscape. The digital world quietly molds our lives, and understanding these changes is essential to preserve the positive and discard the negative. So, let’s all pause for a moment to reclaim our thoughts, strengthen our resolve, and confront challenges like depression. Together, we can nurture a more positive and healthier digital environment.
Tommy McCardle
Word Count: 1115
