Autonomy vs. Desire for Comments

For today’s blog I had read the article “Shout into the wind, and it shouts back,” which was written by Lori Kendall. This article pertained to some constant tensions that the users of LiveJournal have to face when they participate. According to Kendall, LiveJournal is an easy to use weblogging system with features that help enhance social networking. My focus on this article is the constant friction between autonomy and the desire for comments.

As Kendall mentioned, people using LiveJournal are aware of an audience. This may limit how much information someone may disclose about themselves. That may also limit how much a person may post to others, since they have no control over who may read their posts. People may never know who is always on the receiving end of their comments. Something that may seem appropriate between you and someone may not be perceived that way by others. Being harshly criticized by someone that you may not even know can prevent a person from being autonomous.

There is a tendency when posting on other peoples journals, to avoid the “me too” comments. Therefore many attempt to write something more formal and proofread their writing, taking away from the spontaneity the reaction once had. This may ultimately limit the amount someone may post to others and vice versa. The users of LiveJournal feel that they should contribute more, but the lack of control over their own comments can make them reluctant to do so. This dilemma according to Kendall can lead many to “comment on trivial matters than important ones” (Kendall, p.13).

Although people may use LiveJournal as a personal diary, they are aware that there is a certain audience watching them. The fear of a negative perception by others can limit a person’s freedom on LiveJournal. Not being able to have control over who reads and views your words and opinions can limit your autonomy, even though you may have full control over your own journal. This may cause the inefficiency of LiveJournal, because people may not have the courage to post anything meaningful.

Kendall, Lori. (2007). "Shout into the wind, and it shouts back." Identity and interactional tensions on LiveJournal. First Monday, 12. Retrieved on August 21, 2008 from: http://firstmonday.org/issues/issue12_9/kendall/index.html