What is online identity?
Online identity is how we express ourselves online. Just like our offline identity, it gives people a picture of who we are.
“Very few people actually ‘choose’ their identity,” says Jonathan Ellicott. “Instead, it is created by outside influences such as friends, family and social interactions. We behave and portray ourselves in a way we are expected to behave in that present company. If this portrayal of ourselves does not line up with our actual values and ideals, it can make one feel lost and confused about who they actually are.”
The influence of social media
“Childhood and adolescence is a time when young people are discovering ‘who they are’ and explore their identity, style and character,” says Jonathan. “It is a time that helps young people form their own values, ideologies, and dictates the choices they make in the future.”
He says that the internet and social media are an “intrinsic part” of young people’s lives. The online space helps young people find groups with similar interests and tastes. They can “join communities they may not have access to offline, allowing them to grow and develop with the support of those with similar ideals.”
Unfortunately, the downside of this ability to connect is that those influencing young people’s online identity increases from “a small circle of friends and family to a potential pool of thousands of ‘friends’ and ‘followers’.”
As such, young people who are exploring their identity will learn “how they need to behave or look to get ‘likes’, ‘followers’ or ‘Snaps’ by their online audience.” The result often is that young people won’t fully express themselves or achieve their full potential.
