Online Expression

Virtual worlds allow for unfettered personal expression. This invites both wanted and unwanted messaging, often further muddied through the design of the technology itself. However, even in the most technologically advanced forms of expression, we still see the use of the tools presented in similar performances to their physical representations.

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PFPs (picture for proof or profile pic) are images that can be used both to identify an individual directly (i.e. using a photo of their face) or as an additional form of expression (i.e. their pet, favorite object, favorite character, etc.). This malleability of perception, allows for a more active form of performance. In virtual worlds, an individual can create a distilled version of who they want to be perceived as and script their expressions to match.

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Most commonly, we see this expressed in talismanic form through use of the systems to Like, Subscribe or otherwise attribute association. This not only has a direct effect, as the algorithms that drive these systems uses that data to curate our experience, but it also establishes cultural groups in that liminal space. Hashtags and other similar indicators, which also serve the purposes of curating the user experience within the platform's systems, are also used as wards or borders to mark a specific space. Names of people, organizations, memes and slang terms are invoked to elicit a desired response or to drive away exoteric individuals and "displeasing" outcomes.