Internet-Based Identity Experiments in Late Adolescence

A Literature Review of Online Identity Reconstruction

“…For example, it is found that when compared with Chinese social network users, Malaysian users were more likely to reconstruct their identity due to privacy concerns ( Huang et al, 2020 ). Girls placed more emphasis on self-exploration and social compensation than boys ( Valkenburg et al, 2005 ), while boys were more likely to be motivated by social facilitation ( Ceyhan, 2014 ). In addition, it is suggested that men are more likely to be motivated by bridging social capital and disinhibition than women ( Huang et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Adolescents pretend to be someone else online (such as someone older, smarter, less shy, more beautiful) to explore their own identity ( Valkenburg et al, 2005 ). It is suggested that the sense of identity is negatively associated with online identity reconstruction ( Ceyhan, 2014 ; Michikyan et al, 2015 ). Adolescents with a less coherent sense of the self are more likely to engage in identity experiments on the Internet ( Ceyhan, 2014 ), and present their false self to a greater extent on Facebook ( Michikyan et al, 2015 ).…”

“…It is suggested that the sense of identity is negatively associated with online identity reconstruction ( Ceyhan, 2014 ; Michikyan et al, 2015 ). Adolescents with a less coherent sense of the self are more likely to engage in identity experiments on the Internet ( Ceyhan, 2014 ), and present their false self to a greater extent on Facebook ( Michikyan et al, 2015 ). Emerging adults who still have doubts about what they want to be are more likely to engage in online self-exploration to better understand different aspects of themselves ( Michikyan et al, 2015 ).…”

“…The analysis of the key findings of existing literature provided insight into the motivations, strategies, predictors, and effects of online identity reconstruction. It is found that people might reconstruct their identity online to fulfill various social needs and security needs, such as to improve sexual attractiveness, explore identity, and protect privacy ( Valkenburg et al, 2005 ; Ceyhan, 2014 ). The main strategies people use to reconstruct their identity online are positive self-presentation (e.g., presenting their ideal self) and false self-presentation (e.g., altering personal information; Michikyan et al, 2015 ; Kang and Wei, 2019 ).…”

“…The primary motivation for strategic self-presentation is to build a positive public image. For online identity experiment, individuals mainly want to talk and behave freely to explore the reactions of others ( Valkenburg et al, 2005 ; Ceyhan, 2014 ). When engaging in online identity reconstruction, people are seeking the benefits brought about by the reconstructed identity, which is more than a positive image or the freedom to talk and behave.…”