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Definition of Self

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The self is constantly influenced by the real and virtual due to the social relations that exist between the real self and virtual self. Not only is the real able to influence the virtual character within a simulation, but the virtual world is also capable of shaping real personalities of the individual. The social aspects of the real bleed into the simulacra of the virtual, and vice versa as indicated by the examples of our use of social media and simulations.

For instance, racial influences that impact society also create a hierarchy in social media sites, which causes teens to follow with this trend because of their backgrounds and values. However, racial distinctions appear in video games as well, as Shreyas mentions. Real influences, thus, have the ability to shift into the virtual, which help shape individuals into a specific character based on these preconceptions that exist in the physical world. Moreover, as most of their friends shifted to a specific social network, such as Facebook, more individuals were inclined to move to be with their friends. Relays in friend networks, as a result, construct a component in shaping the virtual self. This shift in the virtual from MySpace to Facebook occurred as a result of the real impacts, which shape not only the world we live in, but also the world we play in.

Likewise, the virtual also plays a toll on the real self. As one invests time in the virtual world experimenting with different embodiments, he/she may find an identity that fits with him/her well. They can assume an identity that may otherwise be impossible in the real, but are able to live through their virtual self. This virtual self has the capability to influence the real self and shape the way an individual may act in the physical world. It is because of the overwhelming freedom in choosing their avatar within the virtual that allows individuals to explore a variety of different conformations before settling on the one they identify with the most. For instance, a male in Second Life was able to be a lesbian in the virtual reality and was able to change his sexuality in the real and become transsexual. The social is able to create a version of self that returns to the real and, as a result, allows the virtuality to be materialized.

Because influences from the real and the virtual affect both versions of self, the self is ultimately a mixture of identities of the real and virtual selves. This is accurately shown through Black Twitter, where real issues use social media to garner a community bounded by similar values. Activisms use the virtual to connect individuals to other individuals in the real space, contributing to a communal identity and intensifying social relations. With the social linking the real and the virtual, individuals can discover their values and beliefs that help them determine their definition of self-identity.

Yet these definitions are hardly stable. With society always adapting and shifting in ways we cannot even imagine, we also must transform and fluctuate with our environment. Influences from companies and their marketing techniques of brandscaping may force us into a mold that they believe we are a best fit for due to the haunting effect that Sarah describes in her work. To learn more about this idea of brandscaping, refer to Kayla's piece on the virtual desiring self. As such, previous social systems may break down and deconstruct, and fragmentation of people may become plausible as individuals disagree with the companies' interpretations of their identities. New groups may materialize in the real as well as the virtual, most likely on social networking sites, and individuals may switch from one community to another, breaking off from past connections and forming new ones. Zack further explores this Guattarian idea of system deterioration here. As we continue to create, innovate, and wade into unknown waters, each individual emerges with his/her opinions that lead them to unearth new revelations about his/herself, allowing them to don a new identity that may be only a part of the individual's self or may encompass another quality of his/her identity. There is no specific definition to self but only that it will continue to alter and reconstruct due to the social that exists around us.
 

This page has paths:

  1. What Is Self? Theresa Tong

This page has tags:

  1. Transformation of Social Relations Esther Liu
  2. Power Dwayne Dixon
  3. Social Power Stephanie Wiehe
  4. The Virtual and The Real Chloe Lewis
  5. Self Theresa Tong
  6. The Second Life Self Kayla McCoy
  7. What Is Self? Theresa Tong
  8. The Virtual Desiring Self Kayla McCoy
  9. Guattari's Theory on Machines zachary hersh
  10. Haunting: Effect on The Self Sarah Frauen
  11. Society's View and Interaction with the Virtual Kayla McCoy
  12. Virtuality Chloe Lewis
  13. Video Games Jon Levine
  14. The Social Media Self Kayla McCoy
  15. How the Virtual Transfers to the Real Shreyas Kolavennu
  16. Transversal of Time and Space Chloe Lewis
  17. Theresa Tong, Author Theresa Tong
  18. Transformation Esther Liu
  19. Self: Conclusion Sarah Frauen
  20. Social Media Kayla McCoy
  21. Brandscape Kayla McCoy
  22. Real World Kayla McCoy
  23. Race Anna Quinn
  24. Identity Kayla McCoy
  25. Liminality Sarah Frauen
  26. Social Relations Chloe Lewis
  27. Black Twitter Kayla McCoy

Contents of this tag:

  1. How the Virtual Influences the Real Self
  2. How the Real Influences Online Self
  3. How the Real and Virtual Contribute to Self Identity
  4. Self in Media: Virtual Persona
  5. Haunting: Effect on The Self
  6. The Transcendent Self & Second Life
  7. How the Virtual Transfers to the Real
  8. The Self Relayed Through Grand Theft Auto 5
  9. Introduction: Different Variations of Self in Video Games