The present advancements in technology have resulted in a digital landscape in which people not only interact but also have a lot of control over what they show to others. Unlike face-to-face interaction where people have an image that cannot be easily changed, personal information is easier to alter in the digital landscape depending on how people perceive themselves. However, this landscape also presents people with a myriad of challenges as the sharing of personal information not only can put people at risk such as having their information leaked or mishandled.
Self-Curation
Social media platforms, blogs and other avenues for maintaining an online presence give people the chance to choose what they others to see. In this case, they can be selective of their achievements and career paths through the use of platforms such as LinkedIn while also using other platforms such as Instagram to bring out a different side of their lifestyle such as their hobbies. Importantly, Goffman in his dramaturgical analysis established that people tend to avoid being embarrassed or embarrassing situations through self-curation or the presentation of an ideal persona for their audience (Hogan, 2010).The digital platforms allow for flexibility when it comes to creating a curated persona and as a result, people can have identities that do not necessarily reflect who they are in real life.
Pseudonyms
Pseudonymity in the digital landscape enables people to express themselves without necessarily disclosing information that would put them in jeopardy. They are therefore in a better position to share their ideas confidently and to connect with people with whom they share similar identities and hence create an online community of like-minded people. However, the identity created as a result of pseudonyms may also not be long-lasting and may even be influenced by algorithms and viral trends. However, the provision of a safe space through pseudonyms is important for free speech and expression even though they can be misused.
Digital Identities and the Imposter Syndrome.
In as much as the digital landscape provides a safe space for expression and also facilitates the projection of the image we want people to see, challenges such as the threat of hackers, those centered on authenticity and the imposter syndrome. It is common knowledge that creating a perfect image can attract the attention of unscrupulous internet users who may try to hack into digital platforms for purposes such as extortion. Mishra and Kewalramani (2023) also established that apart from leading to maladaptive daydreaming, social media platforms where people have these digital identities can result in impostor syndrome in which people get filled with self-doubt once they question if they can be as good as the digital images that they create. Hence, while creating digital identities can give people the space to express themselves freely and to portray themselves as they deem fit, care must be taken to cause unnecessary self-harm due to these made-up identities.
Reference
Hogan, B. (2010). The presentation of self in the age of social media: Distinguishing performances and exhibitions online. Bulletin of Science, Technology & Society, 30(6), 377-386
Mishra, B., & Kewalramani, S. (2023). Social media use maladaptive daydreaming and imposter phenomenon in younger adults. Journal of Advance Research in Science and Social Science, 6(1), 223-231.
