David Gauntlett - theories of identity

David Gauntlett - theories of identity

• British Sociologist and Media Theorist.
• Explored the idea that the media provides us with 'tools' or resources that we use to construct our identities. 
• In the past media tended to convey singular straight-forward messages about ideal types of male and female identities, the media today offer us a more diverse range of stars, icons and characters from whom we may pick and mix different ideas.
• Gauntlett's main ideas revolve around the empowerment Web 2.0 has had. 
• Web 1.0 = traditional media: television, radio, newspapers, film
• Web 2.0 = digital media: the internet, convergence of internet/TV/radio on mobile phones, YouTube, Twitter, blogs.
• He believes the separate categories of 'producer' and 'audience' are collapsing. 
• Web 2.0 is creating social change. Society is becoming more active, making, doing and being creative.