Our identities are constantly changing to adapt to our different personalities. These contrasting personalities depend on a range of environmental, psychological and personal factors. Personalities can be based on the environment we are within. For instance, most individuals would have different personalities for the type of people they surround themselves with. There would be a different persona for family, friends and for work colleagues. Another factor is psychological, our thoughts and feelings contribute greatly to shaping personalities. However, this factor can cause constant changes in our identities. Lastly, personal factors, such as our religion and culture, can influence our personalities Our characteristics are normally instilled into us through these personal traits and can influence how we act and how we see ourselves and others.
So, what happens when all these different identities that you possess are all gathered together onto one online platform?
This can be defined as a digital identity. Due to our society being heavily reliant on technology, our identities are now exposed to the world wide web through online platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more. These platforms are our modern day environmental factors. Based on who we may have on these platforms, it can influence the type of information we post on it. Sullivan (2012) further explains that any compromises to our digital identity can raise implications in our digital and physical world. It can cause both emotional distress and reputational damage.
However, having digital identities has made it difficult to have a sense of individuality though. Many individuals become ‘famous’ on social platforms for their trend-setting lives they boast about on a regular basis. On a search to fit in our modern society, many individuals follow these trends and begin to lack individuality. Michaels (2010) describes this as identity politics. Identity politics can sometimes cause a false trail to individuality. Many people try to search for individuality on their social platforms but often fall victim to identity politics.
Digital Identities can also impact our journey to find individuality. The world wide web can be viewed as a platform for oppressive, racist and discriminating notions. Having your identity exposed to the online world as well as being constantly involved in the digital world can impact the way you see yourself. With the world wide web being available to all, it is frequently filled with oppressive, racist and discriminating slurs and remarks. These online remarks can often cause serious damage to one’s wellbeing and identity. Nelson (2009) reiterates this notion as a struggle for individuality. He further states that it is generally the youth who are affected by this the most. Our youth occupy themselves with what is going on in the online world and seem to fall victim to any information they come across. The misleading information contributes to their digital identity and often contrasts to their actual identity. Thus, making it difficult for individuals to discover their own sense of individuality.
In conclusion, many individuals tend to expose their identities to the digital world. However, many identities tend to fall victim to identity politics which often causes a lack of individuality.
REFERENCE
Michaels, W.B 2010, ‘A Zero-Sum Game’, Identity Politics, vol. 19, no. 2, viewed 11 March 2018.
Nelson, E 2009, ‘Youth, Identity and Digital Media’, Children, Youth and Environments, vol. 19, no. 1, viewed 11 March 2018.
Sullivan, C 2012, ‘Digital Identity and Mistake’, International journal of Law and Information Technology, vol. 20, no. 3, viewed 11 March 2018.