The Digital Self

Module 9
THE DIGITAL SELF
Introduction
The examination of the nature of the self will begin and based on the work of
William James who proposed that aside from the physical self, we also have the material
self. He said that our entities encompass more than our bodily parts and that our
extended self that includes our possessions are prized because they become part of us.
From the context of William James, we can surmise that part of our extended and material
self are our technological possessions. It is a general knowledge that this 20 th century
marks the age of the so called digital age. According to Russell Belk (2013) many
technological changes have dramatically affected the way we consume, communicate and
present our self. Collin Dictionary defines digital age as a time when large amount of
information are widely available to many people, largely through computer technology.
Digitalization does not just affect our home and everyday activities but it also creates a
great impact on human behavior in both positive and negative ways.
This section will highlight the role of the internet in the formation of the self.
Learning Outcomes
After the learning session, the students are able to:

1. discuss on - line identity and its relation to the digital world;
2. describe the influence of internet to the self; and
3. demonstrate good values and attitude online.
Learning Content
The Self and others in the Cyberspace
The data, statistics and trend presented by datareportal.com (2020), shows that
there is a tremendous increase in the use of technology all over the world and the
Philippines is somehow one of the top users of the internet as shown by the latest studies
conducted in the month of January, 2020.
The above tables are evidences of how digitalized the world is. It has become part
of our daily routine thus impacted the development of the self. New technologies today
did not just improve lives of people but it has also become part of their lives so much so
that most aspect of our lives are greatly influenced if not dependent on it.
I, me, myself and my user ID on line identity
Much of our communication and socialization mode now a days happens on – line,
relying more on the unse of technology and internet. Even business transactions and
meetings are mostly done virtually through the use of the internet. As we interact with
other people in on-line sites and uses online services that requires personal accounts such
as password and usernames, we are already creating and sharing our on-line identity.
On-line identity (Olshansky, 2016) is a social identity that network users establish in
online communities. In the internet, there are many social identity providers such as
Facebook, twitter, Google, and many others where one can manage how their identities
can be presented. When you are using the Internet, your online identity is the sum of
your characteristics and interactions. Every website you interact with has its own idea of
your identity because each one you visit sees you and your characteristics differently.
Through the internet, we are able to make multiple on-line identity for different purposes
that possible suits us. This according the William James is an extension of our self –
identity. Our on-line identity is just one facet of who we are.
Selective Self Presentation and Impression Management
On – line identity most of the time requires sharing of self – identity and people
are likely to share their on-line identity that usually matches what is needed or required
in the online community. People usually consider proper selection of words, photos, and
comments in order to create or make a difference. This process is called impression
management. Impression management is the effort to control or influence other
people's perceptions. This could be their perception of a certain person (including you), a
material possession or an event. An example of online impression management is when
people post happy moments about their family and their travels because they wanted
others to think and to present themselves as having a happy and contented family life.
We usually do impression managing in order to feel good about our lives but if we try to
look into the deeper meaning of it, we may be striving for positive perceptions from others
in the internet world.
Another way of on – line presentation is through selective self – presentation.

Self-presentation refers to how people attempt to present themselves to control or
shape how others (called the audience) view them. It involves expressing oneself and
behaving in ways that create a desired impression. Girls would post filtered images of
themselves because they wanted to feel satisfied with their personal looks as well as try to
present herself as beautiful or sexy or stylist to others. Selective self-presentation focuses
on changing how other people view an individual.
FIVE CHANGES THAT IMPACT THE NATURE OF SELF DUE TO OUR

CURRENT DIGITAL AGE
(Excerpt from Belk (2013) study)
1. DEMATERIALIZATION
Our tangible things and possessions becomes invisible. Photos that are
collected and place in an album are now stored in digital storage devices such as
phones and in some internet location. Music and movies are now stored in small
devices instead of CD and tape collections. Our private acquisition becomes group
because of sharing.
2. REEMBODIMENT
Refers to new construction and definition of the self. Through the digital
technology, we are able to disembody and re-embodied our photos and videos
through the help of editing, photo shop and other accessories that can help
enhance it. An example of this is those who are undergoing sexual identity crisis.
Through the virtual worlds they are able to present themselves in the way they want
to present themselves. The internet provides us a mask as well as safety which
means that we do not see true identity thus we must rely on the feedback of others
for self – improvement.
3. SHARING
Digital devices help us share more, as well as more broadly, than ever
before. Through Facebook, it is likely that social media friends knows more than
the immediate families about daily activities, connections and thoughts. Diaries
that were once private or shared only with close friends are now posted as blogs for
anyone to read. In posting photos on sites like Flickr or Photo bucket the use of
arm’s-length self-photography marks a change. Facebook is now a key part of self-
presentation.
4. CO- CONSTRUCTION OF SELF

Our blogs invite comments, social media thrive on interaction and while cell
phones may be decreasingly used for telephone calls and e-mails, they are
increasingly used for text messaging, taking and posting photos and videos, and
geo-locating to connect with others. Blogging is a form of affirmation seeking. The
affirmation by readers provide confidence to extend the self in a new directions.
Feedbacks from friends and anonymous readers help in the co – construction of
the self.
5. DISTRIBUTED MEMORY
Social media help us remember other people, emotions and events of
significance in our lives. We can look up old friends, see photos with others who
help a jointly construct the memory of shared events. Our memories benefit not
only from our online actions but those others who post images of us and tag us in.
Our self is not just co – constructed on line but so is our shared portion of our
memory co- constructed with others on social media.
CYBERBULLYING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, cyberbullying is the electronic
posting or mean – spirited messages about a person, often done anonymously. It seek
to control or harm others. Some forms of cyberbullying can be in the form of exclusion,
harassment, outing, cyberstaking, impersonation, insulting, trolling and catfishing.
In order for a harassment to be considered bullying, the following basis should be
considered:
1. There must be an imbalance of power between the victim and the perpetrator/s
and occur over an extended period of time.
2. It is characterized by the repetition of the abuser behavior – it happens more
than one or it has potential to happen again.
3. The imbalance and repetition of the harassment happens via any form of
electronic communication, such as texting online, on websites, social networks,
via email and others.
Effects of Cyberbullying
EFFECTS ON THE BULLIED EFFECTS ON THE BULLIES
1. Emotional issues (anxiety, - Emotional issues
depression)
2. Concentration issues - Concentration issues
3. Behavioral issues - Behavioral issues
4. Trouble getting along with peers - More likely to be hyperactive
5. Experience physical symptoms - More likely to abuse drugs or
such as headaches, and stomach alcohol
pain
How to avoid or stop cyberbullying

1. Keep your profile set to private.
2. Don’t friend or follow anyone who isn’t a friend.
3. Don’t accept requests or messages from users you don’t know
4. Never share and protect your password and prevent others from gaining access to
your profile and private photos
5. Educate yourself and others on the negative impact of cyberbullying.
6. If you see it, report it.
ETIQUETTES RULES FOR STUDENTS

Social media have greatly influenced and hanged our everyday interactive
behaviors and new norms are formed. It is not already uncommon for us to see people
walking while talking to someone in their phone or even doing a live – streaming.
People are posing for a selfie,, taking photos before meal for their instagram and posting
for their instagram.
Since this is already the modern communication landscape, it is important that
people who are using social media should be able to practice modern social media
etiquette
General Social Media Etiquette for Students

1. Act like you would in real life. How you act on social media sites is often the most
direct way of how people will perceive who you are.
2. Don’t Discriminate. You can’t be friends with everybody on line but be willing to
open up to all types of friends and followers.
3. Earn Respect. Offer accessible information in a friendly way. Share relevant and
verified link, commentary and helpful tips. Be responsible and do not spread fake
news.
4. Avoid Burnout. Balance your social media life, do not burn yourself out.
5. Be curious but not nosy. Social media communities are all about learning each
other but do not invade other people’s lives.
6. Be extra polite. Apply some attitude to your social media activity by being
friendly and helpful and not to spread hate.
7. Follow the golden rules. Treat others the way you want to be treated.
8. Remember that there are boundaries. Not everyone you are following or
following you is your personal friend. Try not to talk about health and mushy
stuff.
Rules on Facebook
1. Don’t cyber-stalk.
2. Don’t drunk – Facebook. Making drunk post can be funny for some friends but it
can seriously damage your image or self-representation.
3. Don’t sent apps. When you try out an application, do not send it to everyone
you’re friends with. Again, not everyone is your personal friend.
4. Don’t write private messages on wall posts. It’s embarrassing, rude and makes
you look immature.
5. Edit your photo choices. Posting personal photos can trigger bullying. Do not
post photos of yourself or others engaging in irresponsible or illegal activities.
6. Be careful who you tag. Ask permission if it oks to the person you tag.
7. Write Clear Status Updates. People who write or post vague status updates such
as depressing songs or images can be self – indulgent.
References (Copyrighted within the last 10 years)
Belk, Russel W. (2013). Extended Self in a digital world. Journal of consumer research,
Vol 40, No. 3.pp 477 – 500.
Olshansky, Steve. 2016. Online Identity: who, Me? Internet Society. October 10, 2016.
https://www.internetsociety.org/resources/doc/2016/online-identity-who-me/
http://psychology.iresearchnet.com/social-psychology/self/self-presentation/
https://qz.com/1525661/your-digital-identity-has-three-layers-and-you-can-only-
protect-one-of-them/
https://turbofuture.com/internet/Cyberbullying-and-Social-Media
http://www.internetoveruse.com/?p=171.
Other Reading:
How the Digital era has changed the lives of Pinoys

https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/tech/2018/03/23/digipinoy-interview.html
Maria Magdalena (2019) Personal Online Identity – Branding or Impression

Management. Scientific Bulettin. Vol. XXIV, No. 1 (47).
Tartakovsky, M. (2018) Ten Tips for Setting Boundaries Online. Psych Central.
Understanding Your Online Identity: An Overview (PDF)

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Module 9

THE DIGITAL SELF

After the learning session, the students are able to:

The Self and others in the Cyberspace

I, me, myself and my user ID on line identity

Selective Self Presentation and Impression Management

Another way of on – line presentation is through selective self – presentation.

FIVE CHANGES THAT IMPACT THE NATURE OF SELF DUE TO OUR

4. CO- CONSTRUCTION OF SELF

CYBERBULLYING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

How to avoid or stop cyberbullying

ETIQUETTES RULES FOR STUDENTS

General Social Media Etiquette for Students

References (Copyrighted within the last 10 years)

How the Digital era has changed the lives of Pinoys

Maria Magdalena (2019) Personal Online Identity – Branding or Impression

Understanding Your Online Identity: An Overview (PDF)

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