VIRTUAL IDENTIFICATION OF MODERN PEOPLE

Abstract

The article analyses theoretically the problem of human identification in the Internet and studies the phenomenon of an individual’s virtual identity. We have analysed the concept and features of self-presentation as the primary element of an individual’s identification in the virtual space in order to create a desired impression on the individual with an opportunity to be perceived there as he/she want to be perceived in the real world; which, to a certain extent, contradicts to the concept of “identity”. An individual’s presentation via the Internet is often only a manipulation with an impression on him/her and an imitation of sincere communication and frank disclosure of his/her own real identity, since a virtual identity rarely reflects the individual’s true self-image; whereas the question of identity concerns an individual’s real identity in the real world. An individual’s virtual identification is chanced in time from multiple existing identities to Internet users’ tendency to open more real information about them in the Internet space; the ways of virtual identity creation are examined. The phenomenon of an individual’s multiple identification in the Internet is investigated, which is connected both with the period of an anonymous existence of the Network and the desire to study oneself and one’s capabilities regarding the optimal self-representation in virtual space, on the one hand, and with insufficiently adequate self-understanding, one’s real identity as a modern virtualized person, on the other hand. People are inclined to play and experiment with their self-images and self-identification, by constantly changing it and improving it, in particular, by adding desired (idealized) features; and this virtual identity is imitated during communications with other Internet users. That is, playing and communication in virtual space are factors of virtual identity formation, which evidences transformations of identity of a modern individual as a representative of the information society. The conclusion is that people in the Web, partly due to its anonymity, are inclined to manipulate with impressions on them, focusing on their positive perception by other Internet users. As a result, not so much an individual’s virtual identification is created, but a set of mask images, simulacra (which in fact only hide a user, giving out desirable for valid), behind which there is no real identity.