Interfacing Ourselves
Interfacing Ourselves consists of new work that examines digital life on three levels: individuals and digital identity; relationships routinely intertwining digital and physical connections; and broader institutional and societal realities that define the context of living in the digital age. A key focus is what it means in varied social arenas when most individuals live as co-present or multi-present—simultaneously engaged in digital and physical space—alone and with others. Topics include how: digital life contributes to well-being; individuals experience digital dependency; a smartphone is more than a smartphone; netiquette reveals social change; some online communities become prosocial salient havens while others reinforce social inequality; Millennials build intimacy; Latinx do familismo; and digital surveillance and big data redefine consumerism, advocacy, and civic engagement. Six chapters incorporate insights from hourly journals of Millennials undergoing a period of digital abstinence. Other chapters draw from surveys, digital auto-ethnography, content analysis, and other methods to explore digital life at the level of individual and interactive experience, and at a broader institutional and societal level. Ultimately, the book presents the need for living a mindful digital life by developing greater awareness as an individual, a social being, and a netizen and citizen.
Cristina Bodinger-deUriarte is Professor of Sociology at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), where she was named "Woman of Distinction." She teaches popular culture, social psychology, and research methods, while serving as MA Program Director, Associate Chair, and Webmaster. Her background includes a Harvard PhD, educational program evaluation, government contract research, and business consultation. Her book, Hate Crime, won a Rising Star award.