2.3. Sample Reflection Task

Today, we will explore the concept of online identity. Can anyone tell me how they define 'online persona'?

I think it's like a version of ourselves that we create online, different from who we are in real life.

Exactly! This brings us to key terms. Remember: 'Online Persona' can be thought of as OP. Compare that to your real-world Self, or RS. OP vs. RS. It’s crucial to understand how they can differ.

But why do people create different online personas?

Great question! Some reasons include seeking acceptance, presenting a curated image, or even experimentation. Now, what's something from your profiles that you think might not fully match your actual behavior?

I think I post only the good stuff, which doesn’t show my bad days.

That’s a common experience! Let’s summarize. Your online persona, OP, may not always reflect your real self, RS, and that can lead to misunderstandings about who we are. Reflecting on this can help us reconcile those differences.

Now let’s dive deeper into how social media influences our identity. Can anyone share how likes and comments impact you?

I feel happy when I get a lot of likes, but it also makes me think about what I should post to make that happen.

That's an insightful observation! This highlights the 'Likes Effect'. Remember, we often modify our behavior based on feedback, which can skew our representation. Can you think of an instance where that happened to you?

Once, I changed my profile picture because my friends told me the old one was boring.

Exactly! The social feedback loop can dramatically alter self-representation. Reflect on these experiences. They are significant as you prepare to write your journal entry.

So is it normal to feel like I’m living a double life?

Yes, many people do, and that's worth exploring in your writing. Think critically about how your OP differs from your RS. To summarize: social media can affirm or skew our identities based on social input, urging thoughtful reflection when reconstructing your profiles.

For our reflection task, you will write a journal entry about your online identity. What do you think is a good starting point?

Maybe I could write about what I post vs. how I feel in real life?

Great idea! Document those feelings. Also, consider the influences—what led to those posts? Is it the expectation of social media, or maybe peer influence? Remember the 'OP vs. RS' concept while reflecting.

Do we need to make it public?

Not at all! This is a personal task meant for your learning. When you write, try to dig deep into your emotions. What parts of your identity feel real online? What doesn't feel genuine? Summarizing it all into one entry can be very powerful.

I like the idea of reflecting on feelings among the posts.

Excellent! So as we wrap up, remember: your journal entry will help articulate the complexities of your identity as influenced by social media, nurturing critical self-awareness.