DIGITAL SELF

Digital self
■ This examines the role of
technology and the internet in
shaping an individual’s social
self, with emphasis on the use of
social media platforms and
membership in virtual
communities.
■ This highlights the crucial role of
the internet in forming the self
and identity of millennial
learners.
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. The greater
the commitment of an
individual to a particular
identity, the greater the
importance of this
identity.
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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.
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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
1. Do not post or send anything
that will embarass you. 
2. Avoid posting statements
when experiencing strong
emotions. 
3. Do not hang out with
the “wrong crowd”
online.
 
4. Be careful with
oversharing, especially
confidential information
that may be used
irresponsibly.
5. Respect other people
in the online community.