Lecture: The Digital Self

• Non-Binary and Fluid Identities

Beyond the Screen: Unmasking Your Digital Self Many digital spaces promote awareness of non-
binary, genderqueer, and other diverse identities,
Introduction encouraging individuals to see sexuality and gender as
As digital spaces have become an integral part spectrums rather than fixed categories (Renninger,
of our lives, understanding the concept of the "Digital 2015).
Self" has grown increasingly important. We will delve
into the formation of our online identity, compare it Impact of Representation
with our real-life identity, examine the internet's • Visibility and Community
influence on aspects of sexuality and gender, and Online communities, especially on social media
explore responsible ways to demonstrate our values and platforms, provide visibility for LGBTQ+ identities,
attitudes online. enabling support and connections across borders (Fox &
Ralston, 2016).
I. Understanding Online Identity • Stereotypes and Misrepresentation
However, online spaces can also reinforce stereotypes
Definition of Online Identity or oversimplified representations of gender and
• Online identity, or digital identity, refers to the sexuality, impacting self-perception and societal views
information, behavior, and self-presentation of an (Gray, 2009).
individual in digital environments (Smith & Watson,
2014). This includes social media profiles, usernames, IV. Demonstrating Values and Attitudes Online
photos, and the persona we build through online
interactions. The Importance of Responsible Digital Conduct
• Our online identity can be both an extension of our In an increasingly connected world, how we
true selves and a curated persona that may or may not express ourselves online reflects our values, integrity,
align with our real identity (Turkle, 2011). and respect for others. Adopting appropriate behavior
•Components of Online Identity online is crucial for building a positive digital self.
o Profile elements (username, photo, bio)
o Personal data shared (birthdate, interests, location) Strategies for Presenting Values and Attitudes Online
o Activities, interactions, and digital footprints left on • Authenticity
the internet Strive to represent yourself truthfully and consistently
across platforms, aligning online actions with personal
II. Real Identity vs. Online Identity values to avoid dissonance (Kietzmann et al., 2011).
Differences Between Real and Digital Self • Respect for Diversity
•Curated Self Embrace differences in opinions, backgrounds, and
Online, individuals have greater control over identities online. Engage in respectful dialogue, as this
how they present themselves, often sharing idealized promotes a more inclusive and empathetic digital space.
versions of their lives (Goffman, 1959). • Critical Thinking
•Anonymity and Experimentation Before sharing information or opinions, critically
Online spaces offer a layer of anonymity, evaluate sources and reflect on the potential impact of
enabling individuals to experiment with various aspects your words. This helps in fostering a responsible digital
of their identity that may differ from their real-life presence.
personas (Bargh et al., 2002). • Positive Engagement
•Selective Sharing Share content that promotes positivity, education, or
People can choose which parts of their support. Avoiding inflammatory or harmful posts
personality or life they want to display, often leading to contributes to a healthier online community.
more polished or “highlight reel” presentations that may
not fully reflect who they are offline (Walther, 2007). Consequences of Poor Online Conduct
• Actions in digital spaces have real-world
Potential Disconnects consequences, impacting personal reputation,
• This selective sharing can sometimes lead to tension employment opportunities, and relationships. Practicing
between one's online and offline selves, as individuals thoughtful self-expression is essential for a well-rounded
may feel pressure to maintain a certain image that may digital self.
not align with their true values or lifestyle.

III. The Influence of the Internet on Sexuality and Remember!

Gender In understanding the digital self, we
acknowledge the complex interplay between online
Fluidity of Sexuality and Gender in Digital Spaces identity and real identity, the influence of digital spaces
• Exploration and Expression on concepts of sexuality and gender, and the
Digital platforms provide safe spaces for responsibility to demonstrate values and attitudes that
individuals to explore their sexuality and gender without reflect our true selves online. Cultivating a mindful and
the constraints of societal norms or judgments (Barker respectful digital presence allows us to contribute
& Scheele, 2019).
positively to online communities and navigate the digital
world with authenticity and integrity.

References

Bargh, J. A., McKenna, K. Y., & Fitzsimons, G. M.

(2002). Can you see the real me? Activation and
expression of the “true self” on the Internet. Journal of
Social Issues, 58(1), 33-48.

Barker, M. J., & Scheele, J. (2019). *Queer: A

Graphic History.* Icon Books. Fox, J., & Ralston, R. A.
(2016). Queer identity online: Informal learning and self-
presentation on personal blogs. Journal of
Homosexuality, 63(4), 510-527.

Gray, M. L. (2009). Out in the Country: Youth,

Media, and Queer Visibility in Rural America. NYU Press.

Kietzmann, J. H., Hermkens, K., McCarthy, I. P., &

Silvestre, B. S. (2011). Social media? Get serious!
Understanding the functional building blocks of social
media. Business Horizons, 54(3), 241-251.

Renninger, B. J. (2015). “Where I can be myself…

where I can speak my mind”: Networked counter publics
in a polymedia environment. New Media & Society,
17(9), 1513–1529.

Smith, S., & Watson, J. (2014). Virtually Me: A

Toolbox about Online Self Presentation. University of
Minnesota Press.

Turkle, S. (2011). Alone Together: Why We

Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other.
Basic Books.

Walther, J. B. (2007). Selective self-presentation

in computer-mediated communication: Hyperpersonal
dimensions of technology. Computers in Human
Behavior, 23(3), 253-271.