Online identity: constructing interpersonal trust and openness through participating in hospitality social networks
Alexander Ronzhyn
a.ronzhyn@deusto.es
University of Deusto, Av de las Universidades, 24, 48007 Bilbao, Vizcaya (Bilbao, Spain)
Abstract:
The present article describes the results of research on online identity construction during the participation in the hospitality social networks. Specifi cally the user references are analy-sed to understand patterns that form the image of a member. CouchSurfi ng service (couch-surfi ng.org) allows users to leave short texts where the experience of hosting/being hosted by a CS member is described, is an evaluation of the CS members of each other’s personal traits, skills and common experience. Therefore references can become a good instrument for portraying a CouchSurfi ng member and understanding his or her particular traits. Refe-rences form an important part of a user’s virtual identity in the network. Using a sample of references of Spanish CouchSurfi ng users, the research established main characteristics of the references, which are the openness, readiness to share ideas and experiences and trustworthi-ness. These concepts illustrate the typical traits associated with a user of the network and also shed light on the activities common during offl ine CS meetings
Key words:
identity construction, online identity hospitality social networks, couchsurfing
DOI: 10.15503/jecs20131-47-56
