David Gauntlett

David Gauntlett:

Gauntlett's identity theory was the idea that media provides us with "tools" and/or resources that we use to construct our identities with. Furthermore, its also the idea that whilst in the past the media has tended to convey singular and straightforward messages about ideal types of male and female identities, the media in the present day offers everyone a more diverse range of stars/icons/characters from whom we  may pick and mix different ideas. 

In many of Gauntlett's talks, he has said that we have to look at media not as channels for communicating messages and not as things but as triggers for experiences and for making things happen.

He has also said that media in the world means a fantastically messy set of networks filled with millions of sparks - some igniting new meanings, ideas and passions.

Theories of identity (associated with representation) from Gauntlett would be ideas around: 

> people having a route to self expression and therefore a stronger sense of self and participation in the world through making/exchanging online.
> media can be places of conversation, exchange and transformation.
> the need for better "platforms for creativity"


Therefore, his theory is still the idea of people building their own sense of self identity but through everyday creative practice.