This paper represents the culmination of this blog’s previous entries (and a great deal more).
Abstract:
“The shape of the internet is changing and calls into question traditional research and regulatory methods. This project develops a new geography for the self in the age of web 2.0. Specifically looking at the ‘Pro-Anorexia’ phenomena (social networking, forums, etc) this research presents an empirically and theoretically grounded proposal for internet research that is applicable to much wider tracts of the ‘web’. A combination of ten months ethnographic fieldwork and semiological techniques exploring the ‘Pro-Ana’ movement was performed. The results of which make up a rich account of how the ‘self’ is realised, for many young girls. By working through the ethnographic data the shape of the web and how we may research this using multi-sited ethnographic techniques becomes clear. Given the results of this research, it is crucial that we explore how the vulnerable and the young live out their lives on-line in a new light, where intimacy does not necessarily equate to proximity and where the most private of places, the bedroom, has become the most public of arenas.”
Due to a conflict of interests I can no longer present this paper here. For a copy please email pjgstokes@gmail.com
© 2009 Pearse Stokes
Cyber Anthropology 