ABSTRACT
The rise of social media and digital communication has transformed the way individuals construct and present their identities, giving birth to the concept of "Digital Personality." The fields of psychology and technology have witnessed a convergence, creating a compelling need to understand the psychological dynamics governing our interactions with digital platforms. The influence of digital personalities on mental health, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships has sparked significant interest among researchers and practitioners alike. This research encompasses a multi-disciplinary approach, drawing insights from psychology, sociology, and technology to comprehensively analyze the concept of Digital Personality. The study focuses on exploring the formation and evolution of online identities, taking into account factors like self-presentation, impression management, and identity experimentation. By examining the psychological impact of digital personalities on individuals and society, the research aims to shed light on both the positive and negative aspects of our increasingly digitalized lives. As the digital world offers anonymity and control over self-presentation, understanding the potential for self-enhancement and deception in digital personalities becomes crucial. The rise of cyberbullying, social comparison, and online addiction highlights the dark side of digital personalities, raising concerns about their impact on mental health and well-being. With the blurring boundaries between the virtual and real selves, there is a need to explore how digital personalities affect our offline behavior, relationships, and overall sense of identity. This study seeks to unveil the psychological mechanisms behind the construction and projection of digital personalities, unraveling the motivations and underlying drivers of online self-representation. By identifying potential risks and benefits of digital personalities, the research aims to inform strategies for promoting healthier digital behaviors and fostering positive online experiences.
Ultimately, the chapter contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate interplay between human psychology and the digital landscape, paving the way for informed discussions and policy interventions. Psychological theories like self-discrepancy and social identity theories offer valuable insights into the dissonance between individuals' real and digital selves, explaining the motivations for creating idealized online personas. Research indicates that excessive reliance on digital validation through likes, comments, and shares can lead to a validation-seeking behavior known as "social media addiction," influencing individuals' mental health and self-esteem. The "online disinhibition effect" observation suggests that individuals might engage in more extreme behaviors in the digital realm, owing to reduced self-awareness and diminished social cues, potentially leading to positive and negative outcomes.
