Boyd, "Why Youth (Heart) Social Network Sites"

Boyd mentions in the article that networked publics are where norms are set and reinforced. These sites are where identities are formed, status in negotiated, and peer-to-peer sociality or a way of connecting is utilized.

Not only can a person choose how they are viewed by the “publics” they are also given certain powers over others such as “friends only” restrictions and who they choose can be their friend. Teens join these sites to maintain connections with their friends. Yet things such as “Top Friends” allow a power play to grow between each “friend”, much like an invitation to a party or adding someone to speed dial. As long as you keep the leader happy, they will allow you to stay their “Top Friend.”

Along with these powers and privileges, communities or “networked publics” grow. Social networks allow publics to gather, therefore creating a new kind of public. “Publics, not simply public, and networked publics, not simply publics” (Boyd, 8). In real life the entire world is not watching because it is not physically possible. They might hear about something from word of mouth, but it is impossible for the world to be watching unless a form of technology, such as the television or newsprint, is involved. Using the Internet, four simple properties (Persistence, Searchability, Replicability, and Invisible Audience) make it easy to locate one’s “digital body” and view anything there is to offer.

How can an art educator utilize the "digital body" and the idea of networked publics in their classroom?
What sort of hidden powers lie in networked publics?