How On-line Identity and Off-line Identity Connect

Our on-line identitiy will reveal our off-line identities or “true self” at some point. While it may be possible to re-write a new on-line identity void of anything that resembles our true self, I conceive that our off-line identity will emerge via SNS when people are continuous interacting with each others.

Many popular sites, such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter require some personal information in order to participate on the site. This information, available to the public, will allow “friends” pertinent information about off-line identity, as well as your on-line identity, assuming they are true. Geographic’s, economics, occupation, family status, education, political stance and even photos, allow people on SNS information privy to our off-line identities.

Even when a person misrepresents who they are, I contend that personality traits such as anger, prejudice or sarcasm, will eventually surface on SNS sites, allowing yet another glimpse of our off-line self. Social network sites, in their quest to connect people, can reveal traits and behaviors that people may not even be aware of about themselves, thus allowing a better understanding of self  identity on-line and off-line. For instance, a person that is constantly challenging views of others may never have seen themselves as confrontational until it is revealed from social network friends or self discovered by taking a look at oneself via SNS.

Lee Trevena, author of the article “Why Facets of our Offline Identities Exist Online” states

 It is important to understand that our offline values and lives are being reproduced in these online environments for this awareness helps us understand the context that we create which gives us a sense of belonging and this sense of belonging contributes to our sense of identity, and our relationships.

Though we are allowed the freedom to create identities for ourselves, I contest that our off-line identities will emerge even if we try to wear a mask or reinvent ourselves. While today’s technology is vast in its contents to provide us with many vehicles in which to express ourselves, our on-line identities or brands will give clues to our off-line identities regardless of what we choose to display to the world.