#disembodiedidentity

[charlesangels03]

"Disembodied" Online Identity

We are now in a digital space where we can do anything what we are capable of doing in the web space. In my journey towards creating an online identity separate from my offline Identity, what made it somewhat easier for me was my desire to fit in and connect with others like how I communicate with Luna and it made it difficult to maintain my identity in a way that I have to think of what I am going to say in our conversation like how I lied about my age, name and where I lived and it’s not easy to lie if you’re not use to it and the struggle to align my true self with this constructed identity left me feeling isolated, highlighting the challenges of navigating social interactions without being genuine to someone and I can feel the guilt for what I did. When it comes to symbolic markers that I used to construct my identity is my desire to fit in just to connect myself or to communicate with others and on how I engage in a conversation that makes it different from my true self. Another is that giving false information to create disguises that aligns with what I think others would expect me to be. As I reflect myself to this, it becomes clear that I have taken my online identity quite far from my offline self, creating a gap between who I am and how I choose to present myself with others online and I think, I have successfully constructed a “disembodied identity” by lying about my information just to connect with others and my desire to fit in with someone to have a conversation that really differs from what I really am in real life.

This experience has provided me with invaluable insights as a Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) student. Embracing who I am in order to build real connections with other people is one of the most significant lessons I've learnt. My interactions with Luna were awkward and reluctant at first, but as I started to embrace and convey who I really was, I noticed a big improvement in my ability to speak honestly. With time, I feel comfortable into our conversations, which made a deeper and more genuine conversation. In this journey of mine it highlights the importance of authenticity in both online and offline identity by embracing my true self that helps not only understand my identity better but also guides me towards a genuine connection.

Jilca's 14th Blogging Entry

[randomishz]

Disembodied Identity #47

By Kemberly Zaulda | October 3, 2024

[randomishz]

Disembodied Identity #46

Keeping up with an identity of an anti social and inexperienced with interacting is not easy especially having an ambivalent personality in offline and online. The experience was quite awkward as taking up an identity whose in need of advice about interacting is seen as someone in deep desperation of help in making friends online and offline. Taking up this identity despite its challenges still gave a successful outcome in interacting online, continuously, with a stranger.  Through this experience, I was able to realize that the online world is an another world where you can make relationships in without having any system like in the real world.

By Marina O. Villegas | October 2024

[randomishz]

Disembodied Identity #42

Maintaining my "identity" in anonymous online interactions has been both liberating and challenging. The ease comes from the anonymity itself, which allows me to express myself freely, without the fear of judgement from those around me. I can act as I want, disregarding societal expectations, which is something I don’t often feel in my offline life.

However, the difficulty lies in the temptation to reveal more personal aspects of myself, especially when I feel comfortable and connected with the person I’m talking to. This connection makes it hard to keep my guard up and maintain the anonymity I initially intended.

Some of the "symbolic markers" I use to construct my identity include my choice of topics, the language I use, and the persona I create through my responses. For example, I share my hobbies, interests, and even my emotions, but I keep my personal information vague to maintain a sense of anonymity.

The distance between my online and offline identities is considerable. Online, I feel more liberated, like I can reveal parts of myself that I usually keep hidden. This has resulted in a "disembodied" identity, where I exist without the physical and social constraints that normally define me. I believe I’ve successfully constructed this identity because I feel like a different person online—more open and expressive.

As a student of Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), I’ve learned that the internet can provide a unique space for self-exploration and expression. Engaging with someone from a different culture has expanded my understanding of the world and made me realize the diversity of experiences beyond my own environment. It has also highlighted the importance of setting boundaries in online interactions, balancing the freedom of anonymity with the need for personal security.

Images from: Pinterest

By Sidrich Sorila | October 3, 2024

[randomishz]

Disembodied Identity #44

Image Source: Adobe Stock

Was it easy to maintain my identity? I guess it's something in between. It was easier because I had experience talking to strangers online using a similar website years ago. However, it's difficult because I can't seem to hide my "golden retriever energy" whenever I'm talking to someone. For example, I often get excited and ask a lot of questions, which can make people feel comfortable quickly. This makes it easier for them to open up to me, which in turn helps me get to know them better.

I introduced myself as Brent, though my friends call me Bogart. I'm 17 years old and biracial, with a half-Indian mother and a Bangladeshi father. I live in the province but I'm currently in the city for school. I'm a pretty good swimmer, and I play the violin. I'm also a member of a student organization, and I aspire to be a pilot engineer someday. It's not easy talking about this, but my mom left me when I was a child, which led me to isolate myself for a while.

If you ask me how far I've taken my online identity from my offline identity, I would say it's beyond 75%. That's because I accidentally revealed to a stranger that I'm good at swimming. I'm not a strong swimmer, but I know enough to stay afloat. I also isolated myself during the pandemic, like Bogart, but our reasons were different. Furthermore, I can't help but radiate a warm energy—it's like a magnet that keeps on pulling me. Therefore, I believe I've almost created a disembodied identity in terms of my online biography, but I'm still far from changing my true personality.

As a CMC student, I've learned that even when we chat with strangers using online personas, we should still be mindful of our words. They can either be like a passing breeze, having little impact, or they can have a powerful effect on the person on the other end.

By Mary Frene Jan R. Timblor | October 1, 2024