I. The e.net self: local versus global outlook

A. Local versus global identity

1. Many want to be "individual" and also remain a part of the group

2. Third identity being created: fusing collectivism and individualism

3. Internet provides the ideal link to bridge these opposite desires

B. Defining the background of e.net'ers

1. The Internet: central hub for global communication and connection

2. English: common language

3. Approximate 605 million people use the Internet on a daily basis

4. Connections across diverse age groups and cultural boundaries allow for an escape from tradition-based cultural values

C. E.net'ers: Who are they?

1. E.net'er identity: new generation of individuals from any age group, wired to the Internet via intersecting space

2. "Hybrid" identity: blend of aspects of local and global environment

3. An outcome of power and popular culture

a. Power: limited access to Internet, due to economic factors 

b. Pop culture: fosters appealing global-ethnic identity            

4. E.net identity: composite identity shaped by technology, popular culture, and mass consumption

5. Actively carve out a distinctive "adopted community"

6. E-characteristics:

a. Electronic: gadgets allow communication at any time or place

b. Exclusive: loyal to the Internet community

c. Ethnic identity: multifaceted social group identities, they may "borrow" ethnic identity

d. Exploring: in search of the next big thing

e. Emoticon: used in instant, text, and email messaging

f. Entertainment: insatiable appetite for entertainment

g. Economy: willingness to spend large amounts                                   

II. The e.net identity: dialectical challenges

A. Dialectical tensions: conflicts from two opposing forces existing at the same time

B. Spatial zone dialectics provided by Internet: at the same time, individuals experience the privacy pole (anonymity) and the communal pole (shared communal space)

C. Temporal zone dialectics

1. Monotrack focus: working on one project at a time

2. Multitrack focus: tending to multiple e.net tasks or activities

3. Being-in-doing e.net philosophy: fuse "being mode" (chat room) with "doing mode" (other tasks) value dimension

D. Identity zone dialectics

1. Internet alleviates identity alienation and satisfies group-based identity inclusion needs

2. Reinforces isolation from real world

3. Many give birth to "second self" through Internet immersion

III. Global identities in action

A. Globalization: cultural interdependence and realignment processes due to global economy, e-commerce, mass media, and immigration patterns

B. A "global village" emerges, breaking down national and cultural boundaries

C. The lens of television: identity imitation

1. Television shapes the way we see our world and our identity

2. The U.S. exports many shows, and also imports shows

3. Internet connection occurs as fan-based websites develop

D. Rap and hip-hop music: identity expression

1. Provides common identity expression and connection with others

2. Hip-hop music (or rap) developed in the mid-1970s in inner-city ghettos

a. Art form began expressing problems faced by living on the outer edges of society

b. Now, rap/hip-hop is big business and has global impact

3. Collaborative individualism: set of hybrid value orientations integrating individualism ("I-identity") and collectivism ("we-identity")

4. Other countries fuse hip-hop with aspects of their youth culture

5. Karaoke's global popularity satisfies need for identity expression

E. Fashion and gadgets: Identity construction

1. Keeping up to date on latest fashion to alleviate alienation from the actual cultural world of an e.net'er

2. Individuals may carve out borrowed identities via fashion

3. Mobile phones become part of e.net identity via personal choices

F. Video: identity transformation

1. Creating a hybrid of the cultures of East and West

2. Video games: can create icons, crazes, and larger cultural ripples

3. Anime (animation): important aspect of mainstream U.S. culture

IV. Intercultural toolkit: Recaps and checkpoints

A. Our identity is vulnerable and changing

B. Flexibility allows one not to become so Internet-centric nor contact-centric

C. Be aware of the impact and export of U.S. culture, and that stereotypes of U.S. culture are based on this exported culture

D. Seek additional information in a culture-sensitive manner

E. Be mindful of varying learning styles and adapt accordingly