What is the identity?
Identity includes the memories, experiences, relationships and values that create a sense of self. Over time, this integration creates a stable sense of self that blends into one’s identity even as new aspects are developed (i.e., a new identity is created)[1].
Identity on the Internet
Due to the rapid development of the Internet, a variety of social media platforms have emerged in our lives. These media platforms have a low threshold for users only need a simple registration to freely post their videos and comments.
Moreover, many social media platform companies allow users to use virtual information, such as names, avatars, photos, etc., which makes the online social media platforms appear a lot of online identity and real-life identity is the opposite of the person, thus creating the so-called “persona”.
An example of a cyber identity persona.
Wu Yifan used to be part of a South Korean group called EXO before quitting the group and returning to China on his own. He then participated in many music variety shows in China and even worked as a mentor.
But later on, he was accused by some girls of committing acts such as rape and seduction of underage girls and was eventually arrested and sentenced by the Chinese police.
He gave everyone the persona of a rapper on the internet, but privately he raped and seduced underage girls, aka double-faced.
Reference
- Psychology Today (2020). Identity | Psychology Today UK. [online] Psychology Today. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/basics/identity.
- www.youtube.com. (n.d.). Chinese-Canadian pop star Kris Wu appeals against rape sentence. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubq4N5qreAE. [Accessed 6 Nov. 2023].
