Chapter 9 Digital Self
Chapter 9 Digital Self
Chapter 9 Digital Self
Module 7
THE DIGITAL SELF
Examining the significant views from different disciplines and perspectives, as well as the various
aspects that constitute the self, this course endeavors to lead students towards self-discovery, a journey
exploring fundamental questions and issues on personal identity as they relate to individual life
experiences. It is a synthesis of multidisciplinary constructs and metacognitive tasks intended to help
students better understand themselves and cope with the challenges of life. Constructivist in approach,
the discussions have been designed to provoke critical and reflective thought so students can be guided
to develop their own theory of the self, whereas activities have been contextualized to help them make
real life applications of what they have learned; hence, improve on their lives and become catalysts for
change.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, the student will be able to:
Learning Content
1. Disconnectedness
The increasing use of gadgets and presence in the social media results in being disconnected
from the people around us. As we rush to check and connect to the online world, we neglect to
interact face to face with those who demand attention from us. Often, we prefer to stay stuck
on the social media creating recent posts or stalking on someone else’s account for hours while
being mentally insensitive to what is happening around us. Such reality is what disconnects us
from our relationships.
3. Online Recklessness
The online world has provided its users the opportunity to express themselves by
communicating their thoughts and responses whether in the form of an emoticon, animated gif,
meme, or through traditional words. There are ways to express positive or negative feedback on
a recent post seen on a random feed in a social networking site. The digital world provides us
the chance of expressing our thoughts and viewpoints from the confines and comforts of our
room, but, do we really use this freedom with a sense of responsibility? If we state an
unconventional response that can trigger public outrage or collective reaction from all of those
who can see our raw reactions, are we willing to stand for the consequences? We are all liable
Understanding the Self
for our acts but many have revealed the tendency to be reckless and irresponsible. After the
damage has been done through the posting of opinions or personal reactions online, the next
step is to delete the same. This is definitely a manifestation of extreme recklessness which does
not in any way help in the development of maturity among individuals.
6. Digital Self-Harm
People also show how sad and problematic they are through the online space. The loneliness,
emptiness, and anxiety that digital technology produces result in the declining mental health
and the increasing rate of adolescent suicide. Because of the desire to express themselves,
people can post bad self-impressions about their looks and traits which later validate
insecurities and low self-concept. Engagement in this online behavior permits ‘cyber bullying’ as
the details about the individual’s weaknesses are set in front of the public eye.
8. Self-Obsession
Constant exposure to the online world has increased the incidence of ‘narcissism’. As social
networking sites allow escape from the daily woes of life, expectations consequently arise. Users
Understanding the Self
expect that there will be following and responses to their posts - an image, a quote, an
emotional post evident through ‘likes’, ‘shares’, and ‘tweets’. This makes users preoccupied by
trying to produce their best photos and images and detailed account of their most recent
activities (for instance, the best image of the cup of coffee they have bought from that high-end
café with a location posted on their Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter accounts). Individuals have
become engrossed in themselves – what they are doing now, who they are with, and what they
feel at the moment. The digital world has driven people to be ensnared by the ‘me, myself, and
I’ craze.
Consequently, the development of the social media has brought forth the introduction of
intangible elements which have become an extension of ourselves. What we post online and
keep offline have been part of our digital possessions. Electronic photos, emails, SMS, videos
and the like have become vital reflections of our digital self.
Readings
Activities
Understanding the Self
TEDx Talks. (2014, July 24). Digital footprints/Michelle Sadrena Pledger/TEDxHollywood [Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlGyTp4Nd4M
TEDx Talks. (2019, June 5). Psychological targeting: What your digital footprints reveal about you/
Sandra Matz/TEDxChicago [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=MkI_TrPmKgA
Assignment
Create a collage or slogan based on the above theme. Explain your work.
Assessment
Essay Writing
Directions: Write an essay of not less than 120 words for each of the following questions. Answer must
be substantive.
References
Understanding the Self