The Digital Self
The Digital Self
The digital self is the persona you use when you’re online. Some people maintain one or more online identifies that are distinct from their “real world” selves; others have a single online self that’s more or less the same as the one they inhabit in the real world.
Why is the digital self so important for your career? The simple reason is that once you go online as your real self, using your own name or appearance, you have an online presence that can be traced back to you in the real world. Your online presence is hard to hide, difficult to control, and easy for recruiters and hiring managers to find. Because of this, it’s important to manage your online identity carefully, to ensure that your public image—your brand—is presented in the best possible light.
Elements of the Digital Self
Your online identity is like an investment. You start out with a small amount of capital, and the way you use it over time determines how much you end up with later on. The difference is, it’s actually a lot easier to control your online identity than it is to predict the stock or real estate markets.
What goes into building your digital self? It can and does include everything you say and do under your own name. Some elements of your digital self include:
The Socio-Digital Self
The Self in the Age of Technology
- Social media is defined as the websites and applications that make it easier to create and share information, ideas, and interests. It also allows people to create other forms of self-expression via virtual communities and networks.
- Through the use of social media, people may act differently since interaction in social media do not happen face-to-face and there is no physical presence required. This is called online disembodiment. With this, people are less likely to display their real “selves” to others, especially to strangers.
Digital Identity
- People generally have role identities. These are the characters and roles an individual creates as a member of a particular social group. Following this definition, “self” is composed of identities ranked by importance.
- In an online environment, one’s role identity is vitally important in order for him/her to project himself/herself in the said environment. Amidst the technological tools and channels surrounding individuals and online activities that people engage in, one’s online identity enables him/her to participate in a virtual society.
- However, participation in virtual environments may entail changes that may affect a person’s sense of self. In some cases, people present themselves differently in online interactions as compared to the face-to-face interactions they engage in.
Online Disinhibition Effect
- When people adopt fake identities, they are likely to engage in behaviors that they would not do in real life interactions, known as online disinhibition.
- Benign disinhibition. It occurs when people tend to self-disclose more on the internet than they would in real life or go out of their way to help someone or show kindness.
- Toxic disinhibition. People take part of this when they use rude language, bully or threaten others on online platforms, and go to websites with contents of violence, crime, and pornography.
Managing Responsible Online Behavior
- How can one behave responsibly online? The following are some suggestions:
- Do not post or send anything that will humiliate you.
- Avoid posting statements when experiencing strong emotions.
- Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd” online.
- Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd” offline.
- Be careful with oversharing, especially confidential information that may be used irresponsibly.
- Respect other people in the online community.
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