Identity

One's identity is made up of many different elements that make that particular person unique. Humans in general are constantly looking or trying to find these elements so that they know their own identity. I believe this search to be a constant ongoing event. In the enlightenment period it was believed to end at adulthood. Today many people share my belief that identity is ongoing process. This change in perception is called a paradigm shift. The change in thinking however isn't limited to identity being ongoing, but also different identities for different situations, or multiple identities. In this day and age of computer and internet usage, multiple identity usage is made easier and more common.

"MUDS" or multi user dungeons are a common area where people can be who they want to be. People who participate in "MUDS" can portray themselves as anyone. A "MUD" is "a game that requires or promotes the use of imagination in order to better the experience of all its players" (Turkle, Jan 1996). In the users normal everyday life they may be poor, have no friends, with little to no personality. Online that same person's identity is the exact opposite. This serves in a positive light, but couldn't this be negative as well.

At a first glance this would seem harmless. I believe the damage happens on the inside. People who are deep into "MUDS" sometimes lose touch with reality. Becoming deeply involved with their online selves, they neglect their real identity.

In a nutshell the definition of identity has changed over time with technology. What was once believed in the enlightenment age has now been dispelled. So where do we go from here? We should continue using technology to enhance our identity, but realize that with great power comes great responsibility.

1. Thurlow, Crispin, Laura Lengel, and Alice Tomic. Computer Mediated