Abstract
This chapter examines the case of an overtly false identity in the online forum in relation to Bakhtin’s notion of carnival. The analysis shows how deliberate flouting of expectations associated with a credible identity can be used as a form of play to reveal covert values and assumptions of the online community. Although the case discussed was a relatively innocent and humorous prank, it nevertheless caused some negative reactions. For this reason the case is also analysed in relation to a range of more sinister practices using false identities, such as sockpuppetry (using false identities for the sake of deceit and/or profit), catfishing (feigning a romantic interest), trolling (deliberately leading someone on), the use of bots (automated programs mimicking human beings) or even identity theft (stealing personal information for material gain, such as using credit cards), which have emerged as concerns for Internet users.
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Kiernan, P. (2018). The Case of Franz: Identity and Carnival in Online Communities. In: Language, Identity and Cycling in the New Media Age. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51951-1_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-51951-1_7
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