Identity in Cyberculture

I know Wikipedia isnt the best place for finding information, but to define and explore identity in cyberculture, I think that this is a good place to start.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyberculture


"Cyberculture, like culture in general, relies on establishing identity and credibility. However, in the absence of direct physical interaction, it could be argued that the process for such establishment is more difficult.
How does cyberculture rely on and establish identity and credibility? This relationship is two way, with identity and credibility being both used to define community in cyberspace and to be created within and by online communities.
In some senses, online credibility is established in much the same way that it is established in the off line world, however, since there are two separate worlds, it is not surprising that there are both differences in the mechanisms found in each and interactions of the markers found in each.

Architectures of credibility

Following the model put forth by Lawrence Lessig in Code: Version 2.0, the architecture of a given online community may be the single most important factor regulating the establishment of credibility within online communities. Some factors may be:

• Anonymous versus Known
• Linked to Physical Identity versus Internet-based Identity Only
• Unrated Commentary System versus Rated Commentary System
• Positive Feedback-oriented versus Mixed Feedback (positive and negative) oriented"
• Moderated versus Unmoderated