People often turn to virtual spaces as platforms for self-discovery and personal freedom. Video games offer players a unique platform for escaping reality and exploring and constructing their identities in ways that can profoundly impact their social interactions. “We are shaped by our tools. And now, the computer is our mirror. This leads to new forms of self-reflection and the construction of our identity.”– Sherry Turkle.
Other platforms allow users to communicate with people, such as Instagram, Twitter/X or Tiktok; users selectively post images, thoughts, feelings and achievements to project a certain image of themselves. This digital persona often represents an idealized version influenced by personal aspirations, social expectations, or trends. For instance, on Tiktok, users may present an identity of being a “streamer” by sharing only videos/photos of interactive and funny content to entertain their fan base or on Instagram, someone might construct a professional identity, highlighting their skills and career such as a business account on social media to promote their company. This selective sharing shapes how others perceive them and can create a version of themselves that differs from their offline, multifaceted identity.
According to Kowert et al. (2015), video games serve as an effective escape, providing players with immersive experiences that allow them to forget their everyday stressors. These immersive environments create a sense of presence, where players can lose themselves in a world different from their own, which can lead to temporary relief from the pressures of reality. An example of this in modern video games would be Final-Fantasy XIV (FFXIV)
In FFXIV, players can create an avatar that can reflect their personal identity or idealized version of themselves. The game’s character customization options- from physical appearances to job classes- allow players to express their individuality. The MMORPG format of FFXIV encourages role-playing, where players can immerse themselves in the lore and narrative of the game world. This fosters a sense of identity as players inhabit different roles, from heroic adventures to everyday citizens, which can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
Research shows that online avatars allow individuals to explore aspects of their personality or identities they may not fully express offline. According to Gee (2003), players can experience a “projective identity,” wherein they project their own traits or ideals onto their characters, blending their virtual and true selves in a transformative way.
This immersive environment is a refuge from the stresses of real life, allowing players to escape into a fantastical realm where they can experience adventure and camaraderie. FFXIV provide therapeutic benefits, helping them cope with anxiety, depression, or other challenges. Engaging with the game- through combat or community events can serve as a distraction and a means of processing emotions.
Online video games, like FFXIV, are powerful tools for identity construction and escapism in today’s digital world. Engaging with diverse communities in a fantasy world to blend self-expression and immersive escapism to make video games significantly impact people’s lives. Ultimately, these digital spaces offer a unique realm where players can explore who they are- or who they wish to be while finding connection, purpose and adventure.
References:
MIT sites, (2 Mar 2021) Sherry Turkle selected publication, books, reports
https://sherryturkle.mit.edu/selected-publications
Research-Gate (April (2014) Kowert, Domahidi, Wendt, Quandt, Social gaming, lonely life? The impact of digital game play on adolescents’ social circles
Blog pdf, (2003) James Paul Jee What video-games have to teach us about learning and literacy
Research-Gate (September 2007) Katherine Bessière, Sara Kiesler The Ideal Elf: Identity Exploration in World of Warcraft
Hi, I loved your blog post, great job! I totally agree with everything you said about escapism and video games. However, I do want to ask, do you think that this curated online identity ever helps to modify someone’s real, or non-online, identity? I think you discuss how these platforms can serve as a way for people to explore themselves and process emotions, which thinks touches on this idea. Imagine if someone processes an emotion (like grief) that has been impacting their real identity (like grief causing someone to withdraw) through their online identity, would that not have the potential to change or modify their real identity as a result? Would love to hear your thoughts.
hi Rihaan, I think your blog post dives deep into how digital platforms, from video games to social media, influence how we build our identities and express ourselves online. I really liked your take on how sites like TikTok and Instagram let users showcase an idealized version of themselves, tailored to fit in with social trends or personal goals. You’ve done a fantastic job pointing out how these platforms encourage selective self-presentation and the potential gap that can form between our online and offline selves.
One intriguing angle to look at is how the quest for digital validation—like likes, comments, and followers—impacts mental health and self-esteem. While these platforms can be great for creative expression, they can also pressure users to meet certain beauty standards, social norms, or trending topics. How do these pressures affect users’ self-image, especially for younger people still figuring out their identities?
All in all, this post does a great job connecting Sherry Turkle’s ideas to today’s digital landscape, raising important questions about self-expression, identity, and virtual environments. It would be fascinating to see how these trends evolve with emerging technologies, like virtual reality.