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Identity & Usernames on Reddit

Project Scope

In the span of the semester, I was tasked with using each week to research my topic of interest through the lens of that week’s readings and themes. The culmination of the project is a written paper which will be linked at the bottom of this page.

Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash

QUESTION: Do Reddit users assign meaning to their usernames? How does the percieved anonymity of the platform impact expression and social interaction on the platform?

Research Methods

Observation

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Interview

Survey

Thinking through...

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sound

Read Interview Transcription Here

Insights

Intentional naming combined with perceived anonymity puts the individual behind the screen in control of their online identity, it’s a blank slate phenomenon.

Names (and hence superficial attributes) take a backseat to social identity allowing for community to take precendence in determining relationships.


In rare moments where a name does matter to the public, it is often related to a brand or commercial entity (indluding influencers).

Read Full Mini Ethnography Here

Skills Demonstrated

01.

Research

02.

Interview Methods

03.

Producing Insights

04.

Data Synthesis

05.

Analytical Thinking

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