Why Do We Create Digital Versions of Ourselves?
Online identity is deeply connected to impression management, a concept from social psychology describing how individuals control the image they present to others. Because digital environments allow selective visibility, editing, and asynchronous communication, people can refine or enhance their self-presentation more easily than in real life.
What the Research Shows
Hu, Lin & Wang (2025) found that online self-presentation is heavily influenced by upward social comparison and fear of missing out (FOMO), pushing individuals to curate more socially desirable versions of themselves.
Similarly, Frontiers in Psychology (2022) found that adolescents often adjust their identities online to receive validation and manage impressions, which directly affects their self-esteem and well-being.
Strategic Psychological Constructions
Online personas are not random, they are strategic psychological constructions shaped by social pressure, algorithmic rewards, and personal insecurities.
Social Media's Influence
Social media platforms wield considerable influence over how we shape our identities. From Instagram to TikTok and LinkedIn, explore how these platforms impact users' self-perception and presentation. Do we conform to social norms, or do we express our true selves? This section examines the tightrope walk of identity construction in the age of social media.
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