Exploring identity construction and livestreaming culture in the films Nerve (2016), “Nosedive” (from Black Mirror, 2016), and Spree (2020)

Abstract

This dissertation aims to explore the relationship between virtual identity and live-streaming culture in order to understand how individuals in a postmodern society construct their identity and find meaning in their existence. The research will use a qualitative method, focusing on interpreting and critically analyzing collected data. The approach will involve a close textual analysis of three selected films: Nerve (2016), "Nosedive" from Black Mirror (2016), and Spree (2020). The main objective is to identify the potential consequences and influences of live-streaming culture on our society, particularly in terms of identity construction and worldview. Ultimately, the thesis demonstrates that the cyber narcissists will probably dissolve into multiplied images of themselves, which in turn, makes people lose their inner sense of morality and indulge in dangerous and oftentimes borderline criminal like activities that pushes them to self-destruction.