Identity Stasis

Description
This pattern occurs when a user recently has adapted a new behavior and wants to be perceived according to this. This might be problematic since the perception of the user is often greatly associated with the old behavior.

Examples
One example of this pattern is when a user appears on several non-serious, perhaps even potentially offensive, images and only shares content with low value to its readers. This will eventually lead to users ignoring, hiding or possibly even ending the connection to the user.

The only action for the user to take is to try remove old content which lead to a negative perception and possibly add new content that gives a positive impression, for instance serious looking pictures and informative shares. However, the perception of the user wont be able to change for some amount of time.

When other users have come to the point of hiding or unfriending the user, there will be no way for those users to know about the change in behavior since they will no longer receive any content from that user, thus the perception of the user will remain unchanged.

Pros and Cons
This pattern might encourage the users to be aware of their appearance and consider their sharing of content. However, if it was possible the users would gladly be able to change profile instantly without any drawbacks.

Relations
The problems with this pattern could be a result of Hiding Connections or Unfriending (Crumlish & Malone).

Contributors
Created by Patric Westberg.