The virtual world is a space different from, but not entirely separate from, the real world. In the real world, individuals can, in a variety of different ways, integrate themselves into the new virtual space. The virtual space is a sort of alternate universe where individuals exist as merely shadows of their “real world” selves. Different mediums of virtuality allow for and encourage different presentations of “self”, and traces of the real world self can still be found in the virtual self. Under the control of the real world individual, the virtual self has the ability to enhance the real world self, be different than the real world self, or even take the place of the real world self. Virtual world avatars and social media and data based identities are examples of channels of interaction between the virtual and the real worlds. Studying the “self” that can be projected by these various virtual platforms will help reveal the way that the real world self interacts and relates to the virtual world self. 

The contact of the individual within the virtual space is a fragmented relationship because the differences within the virtual world change the interactions and offer new possibilities for social relations and ideas of self. Because the individual that controls the virtual “self” is the medium of interaction between the real world and the virtual, the individual can leak aspects of the real world into the virtual space and aspects of the virtual world into the real world. This exchange can occur either intentionally or unintentionally, but the two worlds are separated only by a thin membrane through which particles of both worlds can trickle through to the other side. Real world individuals and their virtual counterparts mutually affect one another and leave their marks on each other’s existences. Individual identities and actions effect the virtual self, and interactions with the virtual self can be transferred back into the real world altering the way individuals view themselves and others. 

For more information regarding "self" and the way that it is constructed and evolves both in the real world and the virtual world, see Theresa's page on "What is self?".