UNPACKING THE DIGITAL SELF

digital self

how an individual presents and expresses themselves online; it may differ from their real-life identity and is influenced by social media, culture, and experiences.

cyberspace

the virtual environment where online communication and interactions occur across global networks.

self and other in cyberspace

refers to how people interact and understand one another online, where communication can connect people globally but may also cause misunderstandings due to lack of physical cues.

selective self-presentation

the act of choosing which parts of oneself to reveal online to control how others perceive you.

example of selective self-presentation

posting only achievements or happy moments on social media while hiding failures or struggles.

impression management

the process of influencing how others see you online by adjusting your language, behavior, and style to fit certain groups.

example of impression management

using slang or memes popular among peers to fit in with an online group.

Erving Goffman

a sociologist who introduced the concepts of front stage and backstage behavior in understanding self-presentation.

front stage behavior

the version of yourself you present publicly to meet social expectations or gain approval.

example of front stage behavior

curating social media posts that make you look confident or successful.

backstage behavior

your true, unfiltered self that is hidden from the public and seen only by close friends or family.

example of backstage behavior

your private emotions, struggles, or habits that you don’t show online.

impact of online interactions

refers to how positive or negative experiences online affect self-esteem and mental health.

positive online interaction

receiving likes, compliments, or support that boosts confidence and belonging.

negative online interaction

experiencing cyberbullying, harsh comments, or exclusion that lowers self-esteem.

boundaries of the self online

the limits a person sets to protect their privacy, identity, and emotional well-being in digital spaces.

limit personal information

share only necessary details to maintain privacy and avoid oversharing.

control who sees your content

use privacy settings on social media to manage visibility and audience.

reflect before posting

thinking about how your post represents you and its possible consequences before sharing.

authenticity online

being honest and consistent with who you are, both offline and online, while staying mindful of boundaries.

cyberbullying

the use of digital platforms to harass, threaten, or humiliate someone, causing emotional harm.

digital identity

a person’s online persona made up of their posts, profiles, and activities across digital platforms.

online self-esteem

the confidence or self-worth that comes from one’s digital presence and online interactions.

digital boundaries

personal rules that protect privacy, time, and emotional health while using the internet and social media.