authority online

In class we discussed the different ways authority online is presented or viewed. Chong introduces the idea that the religious authority is being swept away by online activities that deal with religious practice, and believe this is a big problem. Some people who either cannot speak out offline or want to reach a larger audience can through websites and blogging post whatever they are thinking, feeling, or research they have done. In the blogging world a higher authority is usually given to those who have more followers, views or subscribers to whatever is being posted. This idea could make or allow the offline authority to become scare or no longer existence. Another one of the views Chong introduced was that online authority reframes the offline authority, by the simple means of reinforcing the traditional views and values of the Christian communities. Through the form of blogging authority has the potential to be altered, from the Teusner article we learned that the authority online seems to be close to the same as offline (et. Clergy). The people who earn their degrees in a religious study emphasis, seem to have the bigger number of followers. The authority in religious communities depends on the community and the individual seeking the information.

Christian Identity on Facebook

This case study will focus on how Facebook constructs and presents Christian identity. More specifically I will focus on how Facebook helps or hinders a Christian to portray and define their personal identity. Facebook allows a person to create a profile or a set of characteristics or qualities that identify a type or category of person or thing. These profiles are made up of a person’s name, gender, education, job, hometown (where someone grew up), current location, interest and favorite things. It is simple to create a Facebook profile or account, all a person needs is a valid email address and a little time. Facebook allows someone to create an identity to share with ‘friends’ online. This identity created for the Facebook world may not be a person’s true identity; by placing false information into the different sections someone can create a profile for anything from a superhero to a dog, this fake profile. Although a profile may not be fake, in the same way, someone can present themselves in a way that can be pleasing to others. In other words, presenting themself in a false light. How a person allows themselves to be portrayed through Facebook, and who they allow to view their identity or profile allows them to alter who they would like to be.