David Gauntlett: Theories of identity

David Gauntlett: Theories of identity

• British sociologist and media theorist.
• Explored the idea that the media provides us with 'tools' or resources that we use to construct our identities.
• In the past the media tended to convey singular straight-forward messages about ideal types of male and female identities, the media today offer us a more diverse range of stars, icons and characters from whom we may pick and mix different ideas.

His ideas:

• Gaunlett's ideas mainly revolve around the empowerment Web 2.0 has had.
• Web 1.0 = traditional media: television, radio, newspaper, film
• Web 2.0 = digital media: the internet, convergence of internet/TV/radio on mobile phones, YouTube, twitter, blogs
• Gaunlett believes the separate categories of 'producer' and 'audience' are collapsing.
• Web 2.0 is creating social change. Society is becoming more active, making, doing and being creative