The Socio-Digital Self

This section 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 section highlights the crucial role of the internet forming the self and identity of millennial learners.

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.

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.
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.
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.

When people afopt 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. 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.

Do not post or send anything that will embarrass you.
Avoid posting statements when experiencing strong emotions.
Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd” online.
Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd” offline.
Be careful with oversharing, especially confidential information that may be used irresponsibly.
Respect other people in the online community.