One thing that really stood out to me was the concept of the ‘online body’. The author discussed how they explored their own identity through online communities and ‘digital skins’. This is a concept I really relate to. Growing up, one of the best parts of online games was being able to create your own character. I would spend hours customizing my character, whether it be a penguin on Club Penguin or a human avatar in Ourworld. I grew up in a traditional immigrant family and self expression through appearance was very limited. I wasn’t allowed to dye my hair, have tattoos, or dress provocatively. Even without the context of exploring gender, creating characters online was a great way for me to explore my own aesthetic, as well as to be exposed to new styles and looks that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see otherwise.
Russel also discusses the ‘white patriarchy’ and the ‘primary gaze’, stating that people operating outside of these constraints are often ostracized and their identities are rejected. However, I would argue that even the people that do fit within these constraints are defined by them. Thanks to Tiktok, it is now more acceptable and even praised for men to have painted nails or wear dresses and skirts. However, the same boys doing this now would have never considered it a few years ago. Even if they had had these desires previous to their normalization, as straight, male, white men, putting a bit of paint on their fingernails would have jeopardized their status within the patriarchy. Even those that prosper under the white patriarchy can be confined and punished by it, even if they are the ones upholding it.
The concept of ‘real life’ versus AFK is quite complex. Russell describes how the two are often seen as two different worlds, when in reality the lines are much more blurred than that. I believe that this is an idea that is becoming more and more prevalent. One example is online dating. With apps like Tindr and Grindr, you meet people online, which can then transition to a real-life meeting or relationship. People used to caution against meeting strangers off the internet, but now it’s a typical everyday occurrence. All of my friends (and pretty much everyone I know) have met up with someone from dating apps at least once. I think the concept of stranger danger has also evolved with the introduction of video chatting and FaceTime. Specifically with dating apps, it is typical to get the person’s Snapchat before exchanging numbers. This helps protect your privacy as well as ensuring that the other person is who they say they are by exchanging pictures. Although meeting with someone off the internet does of course still have its dangers, at least a few can be weeded out nowadays. But these apps certainly do blur the lines between real life and online.