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Abstract
From the basic web to web 2.0, communication through the web is in a permanent and rapid state of evolution. From simple websites to communication through social networking sites, the web was mainstreamed into civil society. Some Arab women – and especially the younger generations – have found their individual and collective voices in new and innovative ways. They have leveraged computer and web power to make their voices heard and have created new and anonymous online identities. As the web now moves towards what is termed web 3.0, new technologies and hence new methods of global communication are taking shape. Web 3.0 features three primary characteristics: it is semantic [meaning intelligent], it is mobile [with ‘smart mobbing’ and other new mobile devices replacing computers], and it is three dimensional [virtual worlds and communities and metaverses]. This paper will focus on the third of these characteristics. It will examine the portrayal of self and identity in a virtual world – in other words, the digital representation of self, the use of anonymous ‘avatars’ and the extent of self-disclosure. It will examine choice of clothing, virtual world relationships and the realities of this new type of social interaction, expectations and motivation, values, trust and confidentiality. The paper is based on interviews conducted with women wearing what I term the e-hijab in a virtual world called Second Life.
Discipline
Political Science
Geographic Area
All Middle East
Sub Area
Information Technology/Computing