Uts Module 7

GENERAL EDUCATION 1- UNDERSTANDING THE SELF DARRELL P.
LOMEDA, Instructor
MODULE 7- THE SOCIO- DIGITAL SELF
Intended learning outcomes
At the end of this section, you are expected to:

1. Discuss and elaborate the different concepts of the socio- digital self.
2. Identify factors that influence one’s online behaviors.
This section examines the role of technology and the internet in shaping an individual’s social self,
with the emphasis on the use of social media platforms and membership in virtual communities.
This section highlights the crucial role of the internet in forming the self and identity of millennial
learners.
The Self in the Age of Technology

With the rise of technology, ways of socializing have significantly changed. In the past, interpersonal relationships
can only be established through face-to-face interactions within physical communities. Nowadays, people can
interact with each other even if they are not physically present in the same place.
Social Media is defined as the websites and applications that make it easier to create and share information, ideas
and interests. Social media has features that allow people to communicate to specific groups sharing common
interests and become members of virtual communities, be it local or globally. Through the use of social media,
people may act differently since interaction in social media do not happen face to face and no physical presence
required. This is called online disembodiment. With this, people are less likely to display their real “selves” to others,
especially to strangers.
Digital Identity
People generally have “role identities.” These are the characters and roles of an individual creates as a member of a
particular social group. In an online environment, one’s role identity is vitally important in order for him or her to
project herself or himself in the said environment. Amidst the technological tools and channels surrounding
individuals and online activities that people engage in, one’s online identity enables him or her to participates in a
virtual society. Thus, establishing a “virtual identity” which is defined as the identity a person claims in cyberspace. A
digital identity allows a person to be part of a virtual community that goes beyond physical and geographical
boundaries.
However, participation in virtual environments may entail changes that may affect a person’s sense of self. In fact, in
cyberspace, people are capable of creating multiple digital identities. People are likely to behave differently when
they are engaged in interactions on social media since physical presence is not required of them.
In some cases, people present themselves differently in online interactions as compared to the face-to-face
interactions the engage in. Social media also enables people to create fake identities so that they may be capable of
doing inappropriate acts without being identified,
Online Disinhibition Effect

When people adapt fake identities, they are likely to engage in behaviors that they would not do in real life
interactions. This effect is known as Online Disinhibition (Suler, 2004). There are two categories of behavior that fall
under the online disinhibition effect:
- Benign Disinhibition occurs when people tend to disclose more on the internet than they would in real life
or go out of their way to help someone or show kindness.
- Toxic Disinhibition people take part in this when they use rude language, bull or threaten others on online
platforms and go to websites with contents of violence, crime and pornography.
People engage in online disinhibition due to a number of factors. These include the advantage of anonymity, virtual
invisibility, asynchronous communication and personal introjection.
Managing Responsible Online Behavior
It is important to regulate online behavior. The following are some suggestions:
⓿Do not post or send anything that will embarrass you.
⓿Avoid posting statements when experiencing strong emotions
⓿Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd” on line
⓿Do not hang out with the “wrong crowd offline”
⓿Be careful with oversharing, especially confidential information that may be used irresponsibly
⓿Respect other people in the online community.
Following these suggestions, one can foster and project a healthy digital identity that positively impacts his or her
social self.
GENERAL EDUCATION 1- UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

MODULE 7- THE SOCI0-DIGITAL SELF
Name:
Section:
EXERCISE 1
Instruction: if you think the statement is correct, write agree, otherwise, write disagree.
1. One’s personality can be manifested through social media.

2. It is impossible to establish meaningful relationships in social media.
3. How one presents himself or herself on social media is the same with how he or she presents himself or
herself to the real world.
4. Technology influences how people relate with one another.
5. People can develop a digital identity.
EXERCISE 2
Instruction: Open one of your social media accounts. Review your post and screen capture those that
you think show benign and toxic online disinhibitions. Why do you think they are benign or toxic? Use
the table below for our answers.
Post Benign Toxic Explanation

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GENERAL EDUCATION 1- UNDERSTANDING THE SELF DARRELL P.

MODULE 7- THE SOCIO- DIGITAL SELF

Intended learning outcomes

At the end of this section, you are expected to:

The Self in the Age of Technology

Online Disinhibition Effect

GENERAL EDUCATION 1- UNDERSTANDING THE SELF

1. One’s personality can be manifested through social media.

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