Module 10 - Digital Self

Site: New Era University Virtual Learning Environment

Course GECUTS-18 / GECUTS-24- Understanding the Self

:

Book: Module 10 - Digital Self

Printed Melissa Mae L. Corong

by:

Date: Saturday, 16 November 2024, 6:58 PM

Table of contents
1. Introduction/Overview
2. Learning Outcomes
3. Contents
3.1. Impact of Online Interaction on the Self
3.2. Self Presentation and Impression Management in the digital world
3.3. The Importance of Digital Technology
3.4. Data Privacy Act
3.5. Elements of safe and informed digital citizenships
3.6. REFERENCES

1. Introduction/Overview
Digital Self

This module explores the concept of the digital self and the importance of digital
technology in human activities. It also discusses the implications of sharing, personal
information especially in social networks plus the ethical issues involved. This generation of
Filipino youth has become so dependent on the use of digital technology and it seems that
digital technology is now a part of their self – digital self. The digital self is the aspect of the
self that is expressed or shared with others through online interactions on the internet,
specifically in social networking sites. On these networking sites, the users normally
disclose their personal information such as their name, age, birthdate, address, and contact
details. Some users also provide very personal information about themselves such as their
likes and dislikes, hobbies, favorite food, favorite movies, places they have visited,
relationship status, thoughts and feelings, and important events in their lives. The sharing of
personal information on social networking sites may be related to the strong desire of
adolescents for social approval and acceptance. It is also a growing trend even among
adults, both the young adults and the not so young adults.
Digital self means exploring the

1.) complications,

2.) conveniences, and

3.) conflicts that technology presents both in our personal and professional relationships

2. Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes

At the end of the chapter, the students should be able to:

1. Define the operational meaning of digital self;

2. Identify the Filipino values of social networking;

3. Explain the role of mobile phone, internet, and social networking in developing the
digital self;

4. Explain the role of the government, school, and church in the prevention of identity theft,
false information, and fake new; and

5. Explore the significant provisions under the Data Privacy Act of 2012
 3. Contents
Digital Self

Social psychologists, John DeLamater and Daniel Myers (2012) cite that the self is
heavily influenced by feedback from others. People whom we interact with are greatly
creating an impact on each individual which is dependent on the type or strength of the
relationships you have with them. Interaction with the significant others like your parents
and other family members may be very influential to how one presents himself or herself in
a virtual environment or the online platform. The views of others through online interactions
(social networking) are so powerful and important that they become part of the self.
Personal information that individuals share through online interaction which others judge
favorably through "liking" and "reacting" contribute to positive self-concepts.

3.1. Impact of Online Interaction on the Self

Impact of Online Interaction on the Self
 The Philippines is the fastest-growing internet population in Southeast Asia, and yet it
has the most problematic internet connection. It can be attributed to a majority of the
Filipinos, especially the youth, use the internet for social networking for communication,
information, and entertainment (Estuar, 2003; Bristol, Caro, Mangaliman, & Bernarte, 2013;
Ignatius & Hechanova, 2014; Go-Monilla & Ramirez, 2018).

If was found that mobile phones are more becoming a very valuable part of the daily
life of today’s youth. These digital gadgets allow the users to keep in touch, connect with
people, and be updated on the activities and whereabouts of others. But, the use of digital
technology and online interactions limit face-to-face interaction with others, including the
family members living under one roof. It has drawn people away from meaningful and
intimate communication with families and friends. The growing use of the internet and
social networking sites changes the social behaviors of individuals, families, and human
society as a whole.

In a study made by Hechanova and Ortega-Go, the use of the internet showed that it
has both positive and negative outcomes. It was proven that the internet can improve one’s
relationships through easier ways of communicating. Social networking can be an
important avenue for debates on current issues in the country such as political and social
issues. It can also be an avenue to express the opinions, needs, and concerns of people. But
through social networking, identity theft, false information, and fake news are becoming
rampant. This is really alarming the church, schools, and the government, so they need to
exert efforts to prevent and effectively control the spread of identity theft, false information ,
and fake news in the country.
 There are some users of social networking sites who prefer to be anonymous and
they sometimes use false names to protect their privacy. In using the internet or digital
technology, privacy and confidentiality should be a major concern particularly for
adolescents who are not entirely aware of the consequences of sharing private information
online. They usually post pictures and videos of themselves, their friends, and family. The
younger generation is the most vulnerable to cyberbullying, gossips, and stalking. The
government together with the school and religious institution in the Philippines make efforts
to prevent and control the spread of identity theft, false information, and fake news in the
Philippines.

The article from Psychology Today, (August, 2010) states that whether we like it
or not, we all have a digital self which is a mask that we put on to engage with the
technological world. In this time of growing dependence on digital technology, we need to
explore ways to develop a deeper level of understanding of how your relationship with
technology affects your primary relationships, and how it is, as a result, defining who you
are.

According to Donald Winnicot, a physician and psychoanalyst who proposed a theory

of self which posited that there is a “true self” that is the instinctive core of our personality
and must be nurtured and realized. It is the self that is in contrast to the “false self” that is
created to protect the “true self” from insult and danger. In our attempt to share the “true
self” with the world, we engage our decoy selves to manage and cope with the day to day
anxieties and challenges that come before us.

Many mental health professionals notice that the digital self become a frequent client
in their clinics. They have treated patients who have become divorced over facebook affairs,
couples who met on Match.com, and adolescents who became suicidal due to
cyberbullying, single mothers now with the flexibility to work at home and the embarrassing
consequences of “drexting” (drunk texting). In the last 15 years, we have been introduced
to: world wide web, emailing, chat rooms, online shopping, cell phones, internet gambling,
internet pornography, MySpace, Facebook, Tweeting, iPods, Search engines, Dating sites,
Foursquare, Wii and all these create a struggle with our digital self-identity. We cannot deny
that this technology has come to us so fast and furious, that we do not have time to think
about how our relationship with it shapes our very identity – the “true self” which most of
the time is threatened by the “false self” the digital self.

If we are unable to take control of defining our digital selves, then we become
increasingly more dependent on this digital reality. That will be very dangerous. If we can
begin to understand this slice of who we are, then we can shape our digital self into a self
that is more closely aligned with our true self, which has a sense of integrity and connected
wholeness that Winnicot would have said harks back to the early stage of development. If
we are unable to take control in defining our digital self, then we become increasingly more
dependent on this digital reality.

3.2. Self Presentation and Impression Management in the digital world

Self Presentation and Impression Management in the digital world

The self is heavily influenced by feedback from others (DeLamater & Myers, 2012).
The impact of others whom you interact with depends upon the nature of one’s relationship
with them. Interaction with significant others may be very influential to how one presents
himself in the digital world. The views and opinions of others through online interactions
(social networking) are so important that they become part of the self. The personal
information that individuals disclose through online interaction which others judge
favorably through “liking” and “reacting” contributes to positive self-concepts. That is why
people try to present themselves in a way to impress. That is to create positive impressions
in the eyes of other people. Self-presentation refers to an individual’s attempts both
conscious and unconscious to control how he projects himself in social interactions. Some
forms of self-presentation may be authentic, but some may be tactical or selective.
 The desire to create positive impressions and to be “liked” by others may lead to
consequences that can be risky to one’s security and mental health, like identity theft,
cyberbullying, gossiping, anxiety and depression. So you need to be careful with what you
are posting or sharing on social networking sites. Your privacy is very important and you
should be mindful of it even when using social networking sites.

3.3. The Importance of Digital Technology

The Importance of Digital Technology

In today’s postmodern era, the use of digital technology is essential for individual
survival and for communication with other people. The use of technology is becoming
important not just for individuals but also for the development of society. Digital technology
has transformed nearly every aspect of modern life. Travel, work, shopping, entertainment,
and communications are just some of the areas that have been revolutionized in recent
decades. It's now rare to find an electronic device or piece of machinery that doesn't
incorporate digital technology in some way. Digital technology means that devices can be
more compact, faster, lighter, and more versatile. Huge amounts of information can be
stored locally or remotely and moved around virtually instantaneously. Even the term
"information" has expanded to include media such as photos, audio, and video, and no
longer refers to just words and numbers.
 3.4. Data Privacy Act
Data Privacy Act

RA 10173, or the Data Privacy Act, protects individuals from unauthorized processing
of personal information that is

(1) private, not publicly available; and

(2) identifiable, where the identity of the individual is apparent either through direct
attribution or when put together with other available information.
3.5. Elements of safe and informed digital citizenships
There are nine elements which form a guide for students to become safe and informed
digital citizens.

1. Digital Access

Digital access involves the ability to connect with others or access information using
technology. As a teacher, you can instruct students on how to find valuable and safe
information on the Internet. You can also help children from disadvantaged communities
use computers or other resources at school to increase their digital access.

2. Digital Etiquette
Digital etiquette is just what it sounds like: treating other Internet users with respect and
avoiding inappropriate behavior. For elementary students, one of the most important digital
etiquette principles is understanding the consequences of cyberbullying.

3. Digital Commerce
Digital commerce refers to buying and selling electronics responsibly. For the most part,
elementary students do not need to learn or practice this element of digital citizenship. For
middle or high school students, however, discussions around digital commerce can help
them learn how to be better consumers or consider career paths related to digital sales.

4. Digital Rights and Responsibilities

Digital rights and responsibilities refers to the privileges that all students have while using
the Internet, like freedom of speech.[10] It also involves a student’s duty to make sure that
these rights remain available for everyone by treating other users fairly and respecting their
privacy.

5. Digital Literacy
The definition of digital literacy is the ability to learn how to use technology and access
information online. A few examples of digital literacy include knowing how to use a mouse
or how to find answers on a search engine.

Not all students start school with the same technological ability.[4] Teaching Internet skills
in class can help bridge gaps in digital literacy.

6. Digital Law
Digital law encompasses the rules or guidelines set within an organization for using the
Internet.[10] In your classroom, you could talk about preventing plagiarism or putting
phones away in class to teach digital law.

7. Digital Communication
The options that students have for communicating online are greater than ever. Text, email,
social media, and online games are all ways that children might digitally interact with
others.[11] For this reason, it’s important to teach your students how to communicate safely
and effectively online.

8. Digital Health and Wellness

This element of digital citizenship involves teaching students how to protect their
psychological and physical well-being while using the Internet.[12] This could include
practicing how to sit correctly in a chair while using the computer and avoiding too much
screen time.

9. Digital Security
Digital security—involves teaching students how to take steps to stay safe online. Although
the Internet can be an excellent resource, students need to know how to avoid viruses,
scams, or strangers online. Internet safety lessons for children could include anything from
why privacy online is important to what to do if they encounter a cyberbully or stranger.