Dwe m2 self-image online offline identities

This programme has been funded with
support from the European Commission
digital education that
promotes the digital
wellbeing of students
This publication has been produced with the support of the Erasmus+ Programme of the
European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and
can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the National Agency and/or the European
Commission. 2018-1-UK01-KA203-48214.

MODULE 2
Self-Image & Online Offline
Identities

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This programme has been funded with support from the
European Commission. The author is solely responsible for
this publication (communication) and the Commission
accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of
the information contained therein.
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UNDERSTAND THAT
users create different personas online and why
they might do so
EXPLORE
Your anonymity vs authenticity and credibility online.
Your reputation is important, and you must protect it
GAIN
A better understanding of your identity and how you may
have more than one
THINK ABOUT
How social media can influence your identity
– real self vs online self
CONSIDER THE USE OF
Perception vs reality
– why we shouldn’t jump to conclusion
about people’s identities
Module 2
self-image &
Online Offline
Identities

www.digital-wellbeing.eu Integrated digital education skills for educators
Module 2
Self-Image &
Online Offline
Identities
Whether designing avatars for virtual worlds,
selecting profile pictures, or crafting texts to friends,
people have countless opportunities to express
themselves through digital media. This module
demonstrates how having a different persona online
can also be a real gift for someone who's particularly
shy. It also teaches when we are disguised or
anonymous, we can push limits and act in ways we
wouldn't in the real world. Some of us may explore
antisocial or harmful identities. Others may simply
overshare and create reputations that might come
back to haunt them. This module shows how you can
fragment your sense of self (especially when the
online identity gets a lot of feedback and then we
become dependent on it).

Module 2
Self-Image & Online
Offline Identities
Learning Outcomes
• You will learn the difference between online
an offline identities. You will learn whether
authenticity or anonymity is more important
• You will understand different personas and
how it can be presented or perceived by
others
• You will learn about the difference between
real self vs online self
• You will know why it is important and how to
be your true self online

What is identity? Is it fixed or fluid?
How are online and offline identities related?
Online identity: is authenticity or anonymity more important?
Gain: UNDERSTANDING OF SELF-IMAGE AND IDENTITY
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Internet identity (IID), also online identity or internet persona, is a social identity that an
Internet user establishes in online communities and websites. It can also be considered as an
actively constructed presentation of oneself.
Offline Identity is who you are realistically when you are disconnected and not connected to
the internet, online communities and websites
Online & Offline Identities

Integrated digital education skills for educators www.digital-wellbeing.eu
BUILDING YOUR ONLINE & OFFLINE DIGITAL IDENTITY

ONLINE IDENTITY
- HOW TO BE YOUR
TRUE SELF ONLINE ?
As we see from our friend in the video, it’s
very easy to turn into someone else while
online or to live behind a mask. More and
more, individuals are becoming less and
less authentic online, without even
realizing it. Not only is this damaging to
your own self worth, but it can send mixed
or misleading messages to your network
and potential network.
https://corporatemagicinc.com/finding-your-true-self-in-a-world-of-social-media/

ONLINE IDENTITY
HOW TO BE YOUR TRUE SELF ONLINE?
What is your purpose of being online?
This is really important to know. Spend a few
minutes and write down exactly what you
want to get out of your online engagement,
why you do what you do.
This reflection may help you recognize the
true reasons behind your desire to be online.

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE OF BEING ONLINE?
• To stay in touch with what my friends
are doing
• To stay up-to-date with news and
current events
• To fill up spare time
• To find funny or entertaining content
• My friends are online
• To share photos or videos with others
• To share my opinion
• To research/find products to buy
• To meet new people

ONLINE IDENTITY
AUTHENTICITY
Authenticity is the experiential aspect of
online trust. The idea is that people
respond to, engage with, and ultimately
trust other people, businesses, and
brands demonstrating consistency
between their claims and their conduct.
It means, effectively, you have to walk
your talk in order to be trustworthy. It
also means you earn trust through
honest, personable, and transparent
interactions with your audience.

ONLINE IDENTITY - WHICH IS MORE IMPORTANT?
Authenticity
or
Anonymity

IDENTITY & AUTHENTICITY – LIVING BEHIND A MASK
What point do you think this video makes about identity?

IDENTITY – MEETING AN
ONLINE FRIEND IN REAL LIFE
How disappointing would it be if
the person you thought you knew
was really someone else?

ONLINE IDENTITY VS OFFLINE IDENTITY

Identity Map Exercise
This exercise is intended to offer you a space to consider how you
perform different identities in different situations and contexts.
Your Identity
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SAMPLE IDENTITY MAP
MENTOR
Setting: School
….......................................................................................................
Tools/Activities: Lego, Robots (helps
elementary school children learn
About programming)
….......................................................................................................
Personality: Mature, yet playful
SPANISH - EUROPEAN
Setting: Everywhere
….......................................................................................................
Tools/Activities: producing video
about Spanish background
….......................................................................................................
Personality: Proud
FAMILY MEMBER
Setting: Home
….......................................................................................................
Tools: YouTube (clowns with brother);
helps mother pay bills and watch soaps
….......................................................................................................
Personality: Dutiful towards mom,
playful yet responsible with
younger brother
STUDENT
Setting: Classroom, Home
…..................................................................................................................
Tools and activities:
CNet (learns about technology
and programming)
…..................................................................................................................
Personality: Serious, goal-oriented
FRIEND
Setting: School, Home
….......................................................................................................
Tools and activities: G-mail (check e-
mail), Facebook (Share information,
socialize); Instant messaging
….......................................................................................................
Personality: Playful
CITIZEN
Setting: Community
….......................................................................................................
Tools: video production about trees in
neighborhood; goes to Santiago to
share experiences with others.
….......................................................................................................
Personality: Socially aware
JUAN
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Here are some prompts to help you think
about your different identities:
1. What name(s) do people call you by at home, in
college, on the sports pitch?
2. What do you do in each place?
3. What can’t you do in each place?
4. How do you dress differently?
5. What do you get to say (or what can’t you say) in each
place?
6. How do you behave in this place?
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7. How do you think other people would describe you in
this context?
8. What responsibilities do you have?
9. What technologies do you use?
10. What activities support your being a particular way?
11. What elements of yourself do you carry with you into
each of these contexts?
12. Are any of these identities “false” or do they simply
represent different aspects of who you are?
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Identity:
Setting:
Tools/Activities:
Personality:
Identity:
Setting:
Tools/Activities:
Personality:
Identity:
Setting:
Tools/Activities:
Personality:
Identity:
Setting:
Tools/Activities:
Personality:
Name:
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”
“On the Internet, nobody
knows you're a dog
Is a cartoon by Peter Steiner
and published by The New
Yorker on July 5, 1993
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• Does the way you represent yourself online differ from how
you come across in person ?
• What is similar and what is different?
ONLINE PROFILES
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ARE YOU AN ONLINE CAMELEON?
Does your online identity or persona change depending on what site you are on?
YES - I have more than one identity online
NO - it’s all me, I’m the same on every site I use
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ARE YOU AN ONLINE CAMELEON?
Do you know what a Finsta and a Rinsta are?
YES – I know what they are
YES – I know what they are and have both
NO – I’ve never heard of either
NOT SURE – I think I know
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A Finsta is a combination of the words Fake & Insta(gram).
When people have a Finsta they usually keep that private
and only post pictures they want their closest friends
seeing instead of their regular or real Instagram (Rinsta)
followers to see.
Usually a female has a Finsta and males aren’t supposed to
follow it. Finstas are supposed to be fun and it doesn’t
matter how many posts or followers you have. Finstas are
mainly kept private and have funny of clever usernames.
Finsta VS Rinsta
2

Vs
Take a look at these
two Instas and the
online/offline
identity of the girl
in them
Finsta Rinsta
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Which Insta do you think shows the “Real” Louigi?
Explain your answer
Does Finsta Louigi or Rinsta Louigi look happier in?
Which page would you prefer to follow? Why did you choose this?
Which version of Louigi would you prefer to be friends with?
Why did you choose this?
Has critically looking at these two pages made you think about your own online identity?
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Your online and offline personas
People who have created idealized online
personas may feel frustrated and
depressed because of the gap between
who they pretend to be online and who
they truly are.
SOCIAL MEDIA,
SELF-IMAGE AND SELF ESTEEM
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SOCIAL MEDIA AND
DUCK SYNDROME
The term "duck syndrome" originates
from the idea of a duck looking calm and
mild-mannered while gliding on the
surface of the water, yet is paddling
frantically below the surface where you
can't see, just to stay afloat
Duck Syndrome - When Someone
Looks Calm But is Anxious Inside
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SOCIAL MEDIA AND
DUCK SYNDROME
We have seen that several young people
who have died had projected a perfect
image on social media—their feeds
packed with inspirational quotes and
filtered images. But behind the digital
curtain they were struggling emotionally
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The aspect of someone’s character that is
presented to or perceived by others.
Understand: DIFFERENT PERSONAS
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THINK ABOUT SOME
REASONS WHY SOMEONE
MIGHT TRY OUT A
DIFFERENT PERSONA WHEN
ONLINE TO THEIR ACTUAL
OFFLINE LIFESTYLE
Consider disadvantages
some users may face in
everyday life that they
don’t have to deal with
when online.
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https://youtu.be/5BvlJmeczLc
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LET’S LOOK
Look at these photos of people online.
Make a note of what you think their
offline daily lifestyle is like from
seeing their online persona.
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NOW WE WILL LOOK AT
THESE USERS’
BACKSTORY
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“Why are we going straight down? The
ground is getting closer and the parachute
is below me. I know nothing about
skydiving, but I know this isn't right.
We're falling so fast and the ground is right
there. He's not answering me. I don't know
what to do. “
Watch Emma Carey here
EMMA CAREY - A paraplegic
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“ Why isn't the parachute above us? I'm
about to die. I’m actually going to die. I
wonder what being dead feels like? The
ground is right there.
This is the last thing I'll ever see. I wonder if
I'll even know I'm dead. Why won't he
answer me? I wonder if they know I love
them. 3, 2, 1. Here it is”
#tobecontinuedemcarey
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“Something you probably can’t tell about
this photo or a lot of the other photos I post
for that matter, is that I’m actually covered
in wee. This is something I’m only talking
about because I know how alone and
embarrassed, I felt in the year after my
accident and I don’t want anybody else to
ever have to feel that way. Some of you
might know this and some of you might not,
but one of the main problems that comes
along with a spinal cord injury is the loss of
bladder and bowel control. "
4

“When people see me walking, they generally
assume that because my legs regained
movement that I have recovered completely,
when really that is so far from the truth.
The way my spinal cord was damaged means
that I am completely incontinent with both
my bladder and bowel. So basically yep, that
means that I pee and poo myself errrday. 💛
#spinalcordinjuryV”
4

“Today I woke up early and watched the
sunrise knowing that I have been living the
past 4 years in extra time. Here's to 4
bonus years of life and sunrises and laughs
and memories and amazing moments.
WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE ✨”
EMMA CAREY
Em_Carey - It's My Re-birthday!
4

A competitive cyclist, Christian
Meijer hasn’t let his 2009
Crohn’s diagnosis, or his 2012
colostomy procedure stop him
from his love of the outdoors.
CHRISTIAN MEIJER
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He shares stretches and workouts
on his Instagram page and
chronicles his challenges and
achievements of Crohn’s, ostomy
bags, and cycling on his blog.
CHRISTIAN MEIJER
4

We struggle with
insecurity because we
compare our behind-the
scenes with everyone
else’s highlight reel.
UNDERSTANDING
Can you understand that people
share the best of their offline persona
with an online update?
Therefore, you won’t see everyone’s
boring days online. You won’t see the
daily downs because most users tend
to post their ups.
Steven Furtick
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Both users take their offline daily experiences online and share them to inform
others but this lesson was an exercise to remind us that not everything you see
online should be taken at face value and actually when you read into the post or
know more about that user you can better understand the person behind the
profile.
Think About: REAL SELF vs ONLINE SELF
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What do you think
it means to be
“real” or “fake”?
Is it easier to be fake online
than in real life?
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‘Facebook can also be associated with other
psychological problems, beyond addiction. We
specifically suggest that the use of Facebook, and
perhaps other social media sites, can promote
false presentation of the self (not just in terms of
names, but also in terms of friends, activities,
images, feelings, and preferences) which we
presume to be unhealthy based on false-self
theories (Rogers, 1959; Winnicott, 1960) because
it can ultimately lead to reduced wellbeing and
promote various psychological pathologies’.

http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/30/fitness-trainer-shares-side-by-side-photos-to-show-the-difference-between-instagram-and-real-life-6888828/
FITNESS TRAINER SHARES SIDE BY SIDE
PHOTOS TO SHOW THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN INSTAGRAM AND REAL LIFE
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We are going to look
at a video of users
who portray a better
offline life by faking
their online posts.
Is it easier to be fake online
than in real life?
5
‘High degrees of falseness, or in other words,
wide and persistent gaps between the true/real
self and the false/ideal self, can result in
precarious functioning and psychological
vulnerability which ultimately can lead to
psychological pathologies.(Rogers,
1959; Winnicott, 1960)…when the gaps between
the true and false self are large and the person
adopts his or her own false identity, even
warrant counselling and treatment’
Welcome to the ‘Facebook-self’ or ‘false selves’
Read: ‘Facebook Self’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EFHbruKEmw&t=4s
5

ARE THERE RISKS FOR CREATING AN ONLINE PRESENCE THAT
IS VERY DIFFERENT TO THE OFFLINE ONE?
Yes No
5

RISKS
Manipulating your identity online
• You convey false identity which
disappoint other user’s expectations
• You may inspire similar behaviour
• Your communication skills offline may
become weaker
https://sites.google.com/site/digcitizenshipadventures/managing-your-digital-footprint
5

BENEFITS
Manipulating your identity online
• You can find new communities you
might not fit into offline
• Thinking time is available before you
respond
• You can experience thoughts and
opinions you mightn’t feel confident
doing offline
5

SOCIAL MEDIA TRUE OR FALSE?
The Internet creates a sense of
anonymity for users
• It allows people to try out different
personas and experience something
different to their offline life.
5

On a debate forum, you have the opportunity to respond
anonymously, with a pseudonym or under your real name
– what would you choose?
And why?
5

You have the choice to be yourself,
be completely anonymous or use a pseudonym.
What do you choose and why?
5

5 Ways to Be Yourself Online
1. Use Your Real Name – If you use your real name or some
variation of it, you’ll be treated with more respect and add
credibility to the things you are saying.
2. Use an Actual Photo - When you put a face to a name,
you’ve got credibility and character.
3. Only say online what you would say in real life - What you
say online could really hurt someone in real life, so if you
don’t have anything useful to add, keep it to yourself.
5

5 Ways to Be Yourself Online
4. Make Real Friends - The people you talk to online are
real people so having real conversations can lead to
you making real friends.
5. BE YOURSELF! Speak up, respond, react, be
spontaneous and engaging and say what is important
to you. Not only will this do wonders for your
credibility, but it will also help you stop hiding from
and possibly judging others. Being yourself can also
help you brand and promote yourself in situations that
could lead to employment, relationships, or real-world
opportunities to back up the things you say online.
5

Posting the perfect selfie is fine but to be really true to yourself, make an effort to show a
more meaningful part of your personality.
SHOW YOUR TRUE IDENTITY ONLINE
http://www.writechangegrow.com/2011/02/being-yourself-online-let-people-know-the-real-you/
• Show you have substance.
• What are you passionate about?
• What causes do you support?
• How do you enjoy helping others?

SHOW YOUR TRUE
IDENTITY ONLINE
Don’t be a pretender! While you may
think there are some short-term gains, in
the long term you will be uncovered for
the pretender you are.
When this happens, your credibility
could be severely damaged. And if you’re
exposed online that’s going to be part of
your digital footprint! (Learn more about
your digital footprint in Module 3!)

SHOW YOUR TRUE IDENTITY ONLINE
Don’t let people define who you are and don’t ever feel
under pressure to live up to their expectations. Your
online friends might see you as a stereotyped personality
type because of something posted online – e.g. a party
person.
Stand your ground. Be your own person.

SHOW YOUR TRUE
IDENTITY ONLINE
Be careful not to reveal too much of
yourself online. Showing and telling TOO
much of yourself – exposing every
thought, every problem, every photo
(good, bad or inappropriate) taken of you.
This can damage your reputation both
online, and off. It could also make you
more vulnerable to the more sinister types
lurking on the Internet. (Learn more
about your online safety in Module 5)

SHOW YOUR TRUE IDENTITY
ONLINE
Don’t fight on social media. If you have a
problem with someone, work it out
privately.
Fights/disagreements on social media
are never attractive.

This publication reflects the views only of the authors, and the Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency and the
European Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein."
Exercises &
Activities

ACTIVITY 1: CREATE YOUR OWN
PERSONALISED DIGITAL WELLBEING PLAN
Wellbeing Card Deck 2019
Download the PDF.
This set of 9 cards provide at-a-glance insights into the 3
Basic Psychological Needs (necessary for wellbeing,
motivation and engagement) and the 6 Spheres of
Technology Experience. They include definitions, support
strategies, and examples of application to everyday
technology experience. You can use these for reference,
brainstorming, ideation, troubleshooting or to add a new
wellbeing lens through which to analyse your projects.

BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS
SPHERES OF EXPERIENCE
ACTIVITY 1: CREATE YOUR OWN
PERSONALISED DIGITAL WELLBEING PLAN

ACTIVITY 2: MANAGING YOUR ONLINE
IDENTITY & REPUTATION
Visitors & Residents (V&R) Project
Interactive Online Lesson & Quiz
Visitors & Residents (V&R) Project. Visitors and Residents
is a simple way of describing the range of ways individuals
can engage with the Web. The V&R approach is, similarly,
based on mapping our own personal relationships with
internet technology, but using a structure that allows for
meaningful comparisons. By having students or users map
their activity, they can create a picture of their overall
engagement.
Takes 30 minutes: Engaging with Digital Tools and Services

• Would posting anonymously allow you more freedom in what you
say? Is this a good thing?
• Would posting anonymously change what you would write? The
tone of what you write?
• When you read anonymous comments not written by you, what did
you think of them?
• Does anonymity or use of real names or pseudonyms, help or hurt
your credibility?
• Anonymity allows expression without clear accountability. Are
there norms that one should follow despite the lack of
accountability?
• Does anonymity allow you to protect yourself from personal
attacks? Is that a good thing?
ACTIVITY 3: MANAGING YOUR ONLINE
IDENTITY & REPUTATION

• Affirmations Worksheet to combat Low Self Esteem
• Body-positive Resources for Young Women
• Are your friends who you think they are? - Fake Social Media
Profiles are on the Rise
• THINK YOU KNOW – You and Your Digital Tattoo
• 107 best Online Reputation Images on Pinterest
• ANY OTHERS?
Activites

Module 2
Digital Wellbeing:
Self-Image & Online
Offline Identities
Learning Outcomes
• You should be able to consider how you
perform different identities in different
situations and contexts using the identity
map
• You have learned how to think about why
someone might try out a different personal
when online to their actual offline lifestyle
• You know how your identity can be
manipulated online and how this can impact
your offline identity
• You know how to be yourself online and
how to be connected those offline in your
realistic life and relationships

Thank you! Any questions?
@wellbeingeducators
www.digital-wellbeing.eu
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12146555/

Dwe m2 self-image online offline identities

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