Identity in the Digital World
‘Who am I Online? Understanding the Meaning of Online Contexts for Identity Development’ by Wängqvist & Frisén (2016) discusses the major attributes in the online world contributing to identity development through research. Youth and adolescents today are growing to become natives to the online and digital realm and that comes with identity formations. This article discusses three ways online contexts can impact digital identity formation. It starts with ‘opportunities for identity explorations’ which means searching socially for their identity and who they are as a person. Then the article continues on to ‘means for self-presentations’ which is how they want to be viewed or perceived as. Lastly, ‘requisites for social interactions’ which is a safe and comfortable environment where they are able to share and be themselves. After reading this, I can agree how growing up with different social networks online can impact the way that you carry yourself. Especially with the advanced increase of technology, it can impact the way that you interact with others.
‘Digital Identity Formation: Socially Being Real and Present on Digital Networks’ by Bozkurt & Tu (2016) discusses how social networks impact learning through identity development. Like the first article, they also mention three types of online presence. The first one being cognitive presence which learners are able to construct and confirm through thinking and communication. Social presence is the ability of participants to identify with the group through communication in a trusting environment. They also develop personal relationships. Lastly, teaching presence which consists of both cognitive and social presence. It is the purpose of realizing personally meaningful and educational learning outcomes.
To wrap it all up, I think that the online and digital world could be a great learning path for children to develop certain different skills, if it is facilitated correctly. Personally, I was a quiet kid and was never one that would make friends so easily. Social media allowed me to express my voice and I found myself in safe communities and environments where that has definitely impacted the way I am today. I think that social media is such a detrimental tool now, but you can get caught up and lost in certain social cultural standards.
