The concept of identity in the virtual world: the on-line self

Abstract

Talking about identity means talking about identities. Our concept of self is constructed in direct relationship to the surrounding environment. The purpose of this article is to reflect upon the construction of virtual identity from the position of the individual. To do so we analyze the cultural and social factors that affect the construction of the concept of identity in general to clarify the concept of virtual identity in particular and establish connections or disconnections between both. To illustrate this, an imaginary entity called Rusmo is created; Rusmo will reflect about its identity in an attempt to understand its virtual identity as it gathers experiences on the net.

Keywords

• Virtual identity
• Social identity
• Virtual body