Final answer:
The main idea of Sarah Parker's 'Social Identity and the Internet' is the formation of social identity through Internet use. Social identification is defined as understanding oneself in relation to groups. The Internet forms global networks that shape identity, but limited online disclosure makes it hard to grasp true social identities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Main Idea of 'Social Identity and the Internet'
The article 'Social Identity and the Internet' by Sarah Parker primarily discusses the formation of social identity through Internet use (Option C). She analyzes how online interaction changes our traditional ways of managing conflict, perceiving ourselves, and understanding social status, using the lens of symbolic interactionism.
Social Identification Definition
According to the article, social identification is understanding one's self in relation to various group memberships and contexts, rather than merely based on individual characteristics (so, Options B and A are closely related).
Internet's Role in Social Identity Formation
The Internet contributes to social identity formation by creating networks among individuals globally (Option B), allowing people to connect beyond their local communities and share ideas and cultures.
Challenges in Perceiving Social Identity Online
It can be difficult to get a true sense of someone's social identity over the Internet due to limited sharing of characteristics online (Option A). The control over what to present and how to present oneself online can lead to a partial or idealized portrayal of an individual's identity.