We cannot deny the fact that we all tend to put out a different image on the Web then how we are in real life. For example, people want to upload nice pictures of themselves on Instagram, but no one wants to upload the ugly ones. We try to look all put together and perfectly fine online when in reality we are far from perfect and as put together as an unfinished puzzle (Keefer, 2017).
The internet allows us to put on a mask like we’re attending a masquerade party, this gives individuals Anonymity.
These masks can be referred to as digital identities. As our digital literacy improves, we start to learn how to use and explore different areas of the Web whether is it for social, business, gaming or online shopping. Each of these areas require a different digital identity.
In the past, the idea of a person siloing different aspects of our personality, never mind personal and professional personas, into different web-presences seems strange (Casserly, 2011). But now it is perfectly normal as our digital differences are growing, and we are now using the Web in more variety of ways. Though, people still question whether is it better to have a single or multiple digital identity.
Further explanation:
In the end, how many digital identities we have are based on our digital differences as to what is more important to us (Freedom vs Effort, Security vs Authenticity etc.). Also, a digital visitor will generally have lesser digital identities as compared to a digital resident as they have less time to manage multiple digital identities.
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References
Brunner, G. (2017). 20 Best Tips to Stay Anonymous and Protect Your Online Privacy – ExtremeTech. [online] ExtremeTech. Available at: https://www.extremetech.com/internet/180485-the-ultimate-guide-to-staying-anonymous-and-protecting-your-privacy-online [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Casserly, M. (2011). Forbes Welcome. [online] Forbes.com. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2011/01/26/multiple-personalities-and-social-media-the-many-faces-of-me/#76ce3d026d51 [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Cserni, R. and Talmud, I. (2017). To Know that you are Not Alone: The Effect of Internet Usage on LGBT Youth’s Social Capital. Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.161 – 182.
FutureLearn. (2017). What is your network identity? – Learning in the Network Age – University of Southampton. [online] Available at: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/steps/263025 [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Howie, J. (2017). Infographic: Today’s Social Media User Has Multiple Accounts. [online] https://www.hashtags.org/. Available at: https://www.hashtags.org/platforms/infographic-todays-social-media-user-has-multiple-accounts/ [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Keefer, B. (2017). Do We Act Differently Online Than In Person?. [online] The Odyssey Online. Available at: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/do-we-act-differently-online-then-in-person [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Liberatore, S. (2016). Study finds using multiple social media sites is linked to depression. [online] Mail Online. Available at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4060076/How-social-media-accounts-seven-three-times-likely-suffer-depression.html [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Techopedia.com. (2017). What is a Digital Identity? – Definition from Techopedia. [online] Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23915/digital-identity [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Techopedia.com. (2017). What is a Digital Identity? – Definition from Techopedia. [online] Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/23915/digital-identity [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Us.norton.com. (2017). Home | Discover Where Cybercrime Goes to Hide. [online] Available at: https://us.norton.com/mostdangeroustown2/bonus/why-freedom-and-anonymity-on-the-internet-is-important [Accessed 20 Nov. 2017].
Aaron Joseph's Blog 
Hi Aaron,
I love the GIF you use. I am a Game of Throne Fan too!
I love the concept of FACES. Using FACES, allow us to determine which types of identity suit individual based on their personality and perspectives. I believe it is a useful tool for everyone. I would share this with anyone that is starting to use social media.
Being anonymous online is similar to going for a masquerade ball. It provides us with the ability to express ideas and freedom of speech without fear of being judged. But the disadvantage of anonymous is really ugly. Anonymous became a channel for cybercrimes as well as cyberbullying. Cyberbullying has been increasing throughout the recent years. One infamous story would be the Amanda Todd Case (https://nobullying.com/amanda-todd-story/). This incident has shocked many individuals but the rise of cyberbullying is still increasing. In conclusion, there are both pros and cons for an anonymous identity. I am all for freedom and privacy but at the same time with responsibility. What are your thoughts on anonymous identity?
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Hey Julian!
Thanks for the comment! Glad to see you are back! hahaha so you are a fellow Game of Thrones fan as well 😀
So to answer your question, I feel that anonymity is a privilege given to us by the Internet as it gives us the opportunity to be ‘nobody’ which we are unable to do in the real world. How people use this privilege will determine its pros and cons. To some people like you mentioned, ‘nobody’ refers to being invisible and being able to roam the Internet without leaving a digital footprint. They are the reason for such cybercrimes and cyberbullying. On the other hand, ‘nobody’ can also refer to being able to blend in. An example would be for minorities such as the LGBT community. Many of these people are being harassed and bullied in the real world, thus, they use the Internet and rely on anonymity so as to not receive such harassment. For people like them, they are afraid of who they are and what others might think so they choose to hide behind a mask and rely on being anonymous on the Internet.
I would like to also return with a question of my own here. What can social media companies such as Facebook & twitter do to prevent cyberbullying on their platforms?
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Hi Aaron,
There are many things that social media companies such as Facebook & Twitter can do to prevent cyberbullying. Most of the cyberbullying starts on Facebook or Twitter. Therefore with the help of these social media companies, the level of cyberbullying will definitely decrease.
1) Provide a channel for users to report direct abuse, threats & bullying. Third parties are also allowed to flag abuse rather than waiting for victims to do it themselves.
2) Using abuse-spotting algorithms to filter hateful speech before the chance to inflict pain.
3) Using behavioural algorithms to learn profiles of the user.
4) Provide resources for the user to learn about cyberbullying and where to get help from.
In conclusion, these social media companies have to use a combination of prevention and intervention tools. They have to provide resources to educate users and empower bystanders to intervene against aggression. Hope I manage to reply your question. Feel free to ask me more questions!
References:
Murgia (2016). Facebook leads the way against Cyberbullying. [online] Available: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/06/19/facebook-leads-the-way-in-online-compassion-but-others-need-to-f/
Social Media Lab (2017). Designing to stop Cyber Bullying Part 1. [online] Available: https://medium.com/social-media-stories/designing-to-stop-cyberbullying-current-solutions-f78d2fada84f
Social Media Lab (2017). Designing to stop Cyber Bullying Part 2. [online] Available: https://medium.com/social-media-stories/designing-to-stop-cyberbullying-future-directions-3653c53167d0
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Hey Julian!
Great answer! All the points are really useful in preventing cyberbullying. These social media giants have to power within them and I believe if used correctly, they will make a difference in preventing cyberbullying.
Thanks for the replies! Its been great chatting with you! Hope to see you soon again and as always stay tune for more content coming up!
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Hi Aaron, excellent job covering this topic! Especially the slides which effectively describe the 5 dimensions of digital identity.
It’s interesting that you drew a correlation between one’s digital differences and the number of digital identities they have.
I absolutely agree that being a digital resident or visitor impacts the choice of creating one or multiple online identities.
Digital residents who actively post contents and express opinions on the Web are more likely to adopt multiple identities, compared to digital visitors who usually use online platforms without leaving digital footprints. Take Richard Laermer, a marketing executive who runs numerous accounts, as an example of a digital resident who chose multiple online identities to reach specific audiences.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/meghancasserly/2011/01/26/multiple-personalities-and-social-media-the-many-faces-of-me/#26291e246d51
Still, it can’t be denied that maintaining multiple online identities takes great amount of time and effort. Hence, does it have the capacity to take its toll especially on the user’s social life?
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Hey Evelyn!
It’s great to hear that you enjoyed reading my blog! Thanks for sharing about Richard Laermer, I found it really interesting. It is always great to hear different people’s perspective on the topic, seeing as how Richard Laermer, a marketing executive is able to take some time out to manage multiple online identities.
I agree that maintaining multiple online identities takes great amount of time and effort. By having multiple online identities, users are able to compartmentalize their interest, behaviors and time to specific social groups thus expanding their overall social network. However, having multiple online identities and means having the need to be active among the social groups in order to maintain them. This will soon take a negative toll on the users social life. For a person like Richard Laemer, who is experienced at what he does, is able to properly manage his time and effort into maintaining his many digital identities. However, the less-experienced people will certainly face troubles, and studies have shown that it might lead them to suffer depression and anxiety. As a result, their social life will slowly crumble away.
In conclusion, though I realize the importance of having multiple online identities, one must also be aware of their own limitations in their ability to manage them.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-4060076/How-social-media-accounts-seven-three-times-likely-suffer-depression.html
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Hi Aaron! Thanks a lot for your reply 🙂
The article you linked definitely shows that having to manage multiple online identities can lead to several negative outcomes on the user, especially if they do not possess the required level of digital literacy and time management skill.
This is especially the case for young people who are even more prone to develop addiction and dependency on internet and technology.
They tend to be unable to differentiate between their online and offline identity and see them as identical, when they’re not. And while their real identity hasn’t been fully developed, they spend more time trying to build their identities across different platforms which can cause them more confusion and cost them the time that they can use for internal reflection.
https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865603981/Growing-up-digital-How-the-Internet-affects-teen-identity.html
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