Storied selves in American expatriate weblogs

Abstract

This study investigates a phenomenon that has yet to come under heavy scrutiny of psychological research: Identity narratives in weblogs. More specifically, this paper looks at self-presentations - and at how the experience of living abroad is narrated - in weblogs penned by ten American expatriates living in Europe. In this field lies the convergence of three prominent phenomena in our times: The increasing contact across cultures, the rise and central role of internet communication, and the widespread preoccupation with self-presentation. The rationale for this research rests on a synthetization of theories on narrative identity, inter-cultural sensemaking and the online presentation of self. A methodological approach that is particularly suited for exploring new phenomena was used, and narrative analysis from a grounded theory perspective enabled concepts to emerge from data. The methods used allow for exploratory, rather than conclusive results. Thus, the primary intent of this study was to provide a basis for future research. Three major findings are outlined: (1) Those who write for a well-defined audience of family and friends tend to be less personal than others. (2) The public nature of weblogs tends to be acknowledged with ambivalence, and the purpose of and motivation for blogging is created in an on-going transaction between author and readers. Finally, (3) story-genres tend to arise from a discussion within the weblog community.