Identity and Representation

When online, you are able to construct your own identity. You are able to create who you are. Some people choose to have an alter ego, they may be one person in real life, but once they are online they become someone completely different or even someone with multiple personalities! Why? Because we are able to do so. The Internet gives us so many opportunities to become who we want to be, maybe some people are scared to act a certain way in real life therefore choose to be this 'different' person online. We are able to present ourselves in a variety of different ways, resulting in us having a real life identity AND identities in cyberspace.


In cyberspace, you are given the chance to change your name, age, interests and even your gender. Your display picture also has an effect on your identity depending on how you pose.


Does my identity change between real life and online?
I'm sure everyone does not act the same online as they do in real life. When surrounded by different people, we tend to act in a certain way. You have a different identity when you're with your family, different groups of friends and even when you're with your boyfriend. Also, when you're online, you tend to be a different person depending on what social networking site you are using. I say this because I am a different person online than what I am in real life.
I grew up using Piczo, Freewebs, Hi5, Bebo and Myspace. However, now I only use Facebook and Twitter. My personalities on both these sites differ, as I have family on Facebook I am restricted in what I can write. I feel I can not say whatever is on my mind. Whereas, on Twitter I feel more free, I am able to write whatever I feel whenever I want. Twitter gives me a sense of freedom, I say things on there that I wouldn't say in front of certain groups of friends and definitely wouldn't say in front of family.


Does posting too much about your identity online affect your identity in real life?
I believe posting too much online does have an effect on your real life identity. For example, I know someone who is a completely different person online than when they are with their friends. With friends, she is a quiet individual who rarely participates when friends are having general discussions. However, this person is a member of the social networking site, Facebook, and she also writes a blog. When I first read this blog, I refused to believe it was written by the same quiet girl. When I browsed around on her Facebook, I still refused to believe it was the same girl. When online, she becomes a whole new person. Someone with a voice, an opinionated individual with a number of things to say. This makes me wonder, why is she not like this in real life? I always think why do some people have more of a voice online rather than in real life. Is something holding them back? Who are they really? All these questions spring to mind. Online identities make you question who a person really is in real life. What is their TRUE identity?