Digital Self
How can we expect others to keep our secret
If we cannot keep it ourselves
Francoise de La Rochefoucauld
- Is the aspect of the self that is
expressed or shared with others through
online interactions on the internet,
specifically in social networking sites.
Notes:
The sharing of personal information on social
networking sites may be related to the strong
desire for social approval and acceptance.
Self Presentation
- Refers to an individual’s attempts, both
conscious and unconscious, to control how
he or she projects himself or herself in
social interactions.
Notes:
Self Presentation – may be authentic, but some
may be tactical or selective.
- most people strive to create image
that are positive impression of them. > use of
photo editing tools.
Dramaturgical Concept / Perspective
( Erving Goffman)
the idea that life is like a never-
ending play in which people are actors.
Stressed the idea that people
preferred to present their idealized self-image
rather than their true authentic selves.
Notes:
Erving Goffman – Sociologist
Two metaphorical Stages:
1. Front Stage - The public part from which
Presentation of performance
Occurs
2. Back Stage - One’s private part or could
be
Preferred as the place where
Preparation of performance is
happening, otherwise it is not
Always being seen by audience.
 ONLINE DISINHIBITION – loosening of social
restrictions that are normally present in face-
to-face interaction

Online Disinhibition

Factors influencing Online Disinhibition

1. ANONYMITY - Can make a person

feel safe online.

2. ASYNCHRONOUS
COMMUNICATION - One can send a
message out into the internet and not get
an immediate reply.
Notes:
FRONT STAGE – occurs when they know they
3. EMPATHY DEFICIT - Reduction of
are being watched
sensitivity to what others feel online.
- norms and what is being expected
BACK STAGE – free from expectation and
Notes:
norms that dictates front stage behavior.
ANONYMITY – can take a new persona
 By remaining anonymous, you do not
Digital Identities
have to “own" your behavior
- Is the identity or sense of self a person
ASYNCHRONUS COMMUNICATION = “See
claims in cyberspace.
you later”
Email and message board
Online Disinhibition
conversations do not happen in real time.
- refers to lack of restraint manifested
For example, you might put up an
- in disregard for social conventions when
emotionally-charged post and log out without
- communicating online than face to face
seeing any responses from others. This would
- Mode of interaction.
allow you to gain catharsis
and escape any potential negative reactions.
EMPATHY DEFICIT - not care about others
feelings.
(not seeing their face; not
hearing tone of voices)

2 Categories of Online Disinhibition

1. Benign Disinhibition
- Happens when a person get
benefit from lack of restraints when
disclosing online.
2. Toxic Disinhibition
Notes: - Occurs when a person
misbehaves by using hostile
 language and even imposed threats
to others online.

Notes:
Benign disinhibition describes behavior in which
people might 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 describes behavior that Notes:
includes rude language, threats, and visiting You grew up with first iphone which was
places of pornography, crime, and violence on the launched in 2007
internet–places the person might not
go to in real life.

The Other “I”: Love in the time of Social

MediMultiphrenia

Notes:
MULTIPHRENIA =The condition, largely
attributed to technologies that increase social
contact, of being simultaneously drawn in
multiple and conflicting directions.
* Is love also digital?
* CATFISHING = coined from a movie
“CATFISH”
- a type of DECEPTION: WHEN A
PERSON CREATES FAKE ACCOUNT IN
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR HEFARIOUS
(UNSPECIFIED)
PURPOSES.

Which generation are you?

Impact of Online Interaction on the Self


Drawn people away from
meaningful and intimate
communication with
families and friends
•context, time, audience of bullying extends
beyond the school
•anonymity & distance diminish empathy &
increase aggression (disinhibition effect)

Limit face-to-face
interaction with other
people.

Notes:
“We expect more from technology and less from
Comparison of yourself to other
each other...we’re designing technologies that
give us the illusion of companionship without the
demands of friendship...”

False information / Fake news

May lead to depression

Identity Theft

“FoMO” – fear of missing out

Notes:
insults, shaming, spreading lies/rumors, social
exclusion,
By Laws:

- Data Privacy Act of 2012 / Republic Act

10173
> Aims to protect the people from
invasion of privacy.