Digital Identity and “Openness” of the Web
Identity. Although in itself it is just a noun linguistically, realistically identity comprises the very beings that we are and how we differentiate from one another in our own individualistic manner. In today’s technologically advanced world, this also translates into having an online identity; meaning having engagement or presence on online platforms. However, According to authors Wängqvist & Frisén (2016) of the article titled “Who am I online? Understanding the Meaning of Online Contexts for Identity Development” contest that an individual does not have a separate identity and digital identity, and rather that they are melded into one. Further, the authors contest that online contexts are important settings for adolescent identity development. They state that is crucial to identity development for a multitude of reasons, one for example is the opportunity for increased self-expression for adolescents. This idea was also echoed in a study that stated that stated that online activity by adolescents provides opportunities for identity explorations, means for self-presentations, and requisites for social interactions. Further, these platforms have provided there profound power for people to conect despite geographical barriers in a manner of mass communication that the world has not yet seen. In my opinion, I do not think that the vitality of a digital identity is as crucial to development for adults as it is for adolescents. I argue that adults have typically solidified their idetity by that stage in their life and do not as heavily crave the need for self expression via
Another article worthy of note in reference to digital identity and adolescent development is by authors Bozkurt & Tu (2016) titled “Digital identity formation: socially being real and present on digital networks.” This detailed article aims to answer the following question presents research that attempts to answer the question, “How can social networks impact learning through digital identity formation?” The article proposes that there is a sociologic and psychological need, individuals are able to exist in social networks as an idealized self. They can simply skip initial levels in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and jump into final level: self-actualization. This level is important as it refers to what a person’s full potential is and the realization of that potential. Therefore the article proposes that there is an attraction to this type of online engagement and desire to create of digital identity because it allows to user to be able to present themselves in whatever way they see themselves; which is not something that is easily achieved in the real world. I also think that it within our human nature to communicate and connect with others, and in today’s modernist world this happens to be in a very technological manner.
Lastly, I would like to touch on the arguments and information presented in the Ted Talk hosted by Alec Couros titled “Identity in a Digital World” (Identity in a Digital World (TEDtalk presented by Alec Couros at TEDxLangleyED, 2015). Alec Couros began his TED Talk with sharing a story of how a teen had created a video and it was then uploaded ot the internet without his permission and ended up being viewed nearly 900 million times. This child subsequetly endured bullying and eventually went to court and sued the classmates that had submitted this viedo unlawfully. This brought attention to the dangers of mass communication and digital identity as it can take away our sense of privacy. The Ted talk proceeded to state the overwhelming presence of children and their digital footprint in society even before they are adolsecents. In fact, the video stated that children reach the level of social maturity by the age that they are 11 years old. Further, the video contested that chidlren may already have a digital identity before they are even born; this can clearly be seen by the posting of sonograms of unborn children. This was astounding to me as the internet has facets that are not appropriate for the viewing of children. Further, Alec proposed this question at the end of his presentation: “How do we help … kids discover and experience the many emerging possibilities [of the Internet] for networked, human connection while allowing them to safely grow and share their identities and the identities of others?” I think that this question beautifully frames the current situation of society and the arising challenges that we may see with the reliance on technology. I think that parents and adults should implement technological limits of usage as well as parental supervision of the content that the children are watching as to limit a dependce on digital usage and decrease the potential stresses and dangers that come along with it.
