THE DIGITAL

SELF
UTS MED 221
The Development of Digital Self

This section examines the role of technology and the

internet in an individual’s social self, with emphasis on the
use of social media platforms and membership in virtual
communities. This section highlights the crucial role of the
internet in forming the self and identity of millennial
learners.
The Development of Digital Self

Russell Belk (2017) believe that possessions are a major

contributor to and reflection of individual’s identities. Generally,
materials possessions, such as clothes, houses, and gadgets
are considered as extensions of the self.

But in the current millennial age, digital

Russell Belk belongings like videos, online messages, and
social media statues are viewed as factors in
molding the identity.
www. The Self in the Age of Technology.edu.my

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The Self in the Age of Technology

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.
 www.whatisdigitalself.edu.ph

The Digital Self?

Is a mask that an individual puts on to engage the

technology world (Tamara,2010). It is an aspect of
oneself which is shared to others through the use of
social media and technology.
 www.whatisdigitalself.edu.ph

The Digital Identity?

● Participation in virtual People generally have role identities. These

environments may entail are the characters and roles an individual
changes that may affect a creates as a member of a particular social
person’s sense of self. In group. Following this definition, “self” is
some cases, people present
composed of identities ranked by
themselves differently in
importance. The greater the commitment of
online interactions as
compared to the face-to-
an individual to a particular identity, the
face interactions they greater the importance of this identity.
engage in.
 www.whatisdigitalself.edu.ph

Online Disinhibition Effect

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.
● There are 2 main categories of behaviors that fall under online disinhibition:

Benign disinhibition & Toxic disinhibition.

 www.whatisdigitalself.edu.ph

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.

● Speaking about emotions, fears and wishes.

● Showing kindness and helping others.
● Combating loneliness through online interactions.
● Finding emotional support.
 www.whatisdigitalself.edu.ph

Toxic Disinhibition

People take part of this when they use rude language, harsh criticism, anger,
hatred, bully or cyberbullying or threaten others on online platforms, humiliating,
spreading rumors, making fun of others and go to websites with contents of
violence, crime, and pornography, cyber harassment or exploitation.
www.whatisdigitalself.edu.ph

True Self vs. Digital Self

Your digital identity is not the same as your

True self to describe a
true identity because the characteristics you
sense of self based on represent online differ from the
spontaneous authentic characteristics you represent in the physical
experience and a feeling world. Every website you interact with has its
of being alive, having a own idea of your identity because each one
you visit sees you and your characteristics
real self. 
differently.
 sexuality
Internet has made it easier to explore
and express one’s sexuality at less risk of
negative personal sanctions. In this
regard, the technological innovation has
meant a sexual revolution, particularly
for disenfranchised groups. While
generally being perceived as positive,
concerns have been raised about potential
risks associated with the internet.
gender
Numerous gender differences in preferences
for specific Internet applications emerged.
Results showed that males use the Internet
mainly for purposes related to entertainment and
leisure, whereas women use it primarily for
interpersonal communication and educational
assistance. However, additional analyses showed
that several gender differences were mediated by
differences in age and Internet experience.
Potential implications of these results for
commerce and advertising are discussed.
 sexuality
Online pornography is no
longer a taboo among today's
18 to 32-year-olds who have
grown up with the Internet.
And that has an impact on their
sexuality.
gender
Pornography can shift sexual interests,
behaviors, and relationships. It shapes
“sexual scripts”, providing models of
behavior and guiding sexual
expectations, with studies finding links
between watching pornography and
heterosexual anal intercourse, unsafe
sex, and more..
Pornography also teaches violent
attitudes and behaviors to both
adolescents and adults.
How can we behave responsibly online?
Netiquette is essentially how you behave digitally and
how you conduct yourself across social and digital
channels. With increased usage of the internet netiquette
is important owing to challenges around privacy, safety,
addiction etc.

Some good examples include:

• Being Aware of the facts before posting information -
especially ensuring you are not spreading rumors
• Being aware of the privacy/safety challenges of posting
personal information online Netiquette
• Ensuring that your comments and posts are not impacting the
emotions and sensibilities of others
• Ensure that social/digital doesn't reach a point of addiction
Managing Responsible Online Behavior
1. Do not post or send anything that will
embarrass you.
2. Avoid posting statements when experiencing
strong emotions.
3. Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd” online.
4. Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd” offline.
5. Be careful with oversharing, especially
confidential information that may be used
irresponsibly.
6. Respect other people in the online community.
REFERENCES:
● https://www.scribd.com/presentation/437153184/Understanding-The-Self-Report-Di
gital-Self
● Alata, E.J., Caslib, B.N., Serafica, J.P., Pawilen, R.A. (2018). Understanding the
Self. Rex Bookstore, Inc
.