Coping with information technology challenges to identity: A theoretical framework (original) (raw)

Identity Theories and Technology

Identity in a Technological Society, 2013

Modern identity has been shaped by technology, which has in turn shaped theories in understanding identity. How one communicates who they are to others is given limitless possibilities by the advent of the Internet and computer-mediated environments. Thus, identity theory today must take into account computer-mediated communication theory and research. Such research indicates four ways in which identity is affected by technology. First, researchers have discussed the differences between an individual's true identity and the virtual identity he or she presents, via self-selected text and images, to an online world. Second, researchers have discussed how the Internet can provide both protective anonymity for those who seek it and cathartic disclosure for those who need it. Third, researchers have discussed ways in which users pursue both reflective virtual lives online and role-play with identities, often multiple identities. Fourth, researchers have conducted experiments that reflect the impact that virtual identity has on the practice of communication and the impact communication has on the presentation of the self.

A roadmap for research on identity in the information society

Identity in the Information Society, 2008

As research into identity in the information society gets into its stride, with contributions from many scholarly disciplines such as technology, social sciences, the humanities and the law, a moment of intellectual stocktaking seems appropriate. This article seeks to provide a roadmap of research currently undertaken in the field of identity and identity management showing how the area is developing and how disparate contributions relate to each other. Five different perspectives are proposed through which work in the identity field can be seen: tensions, themes, application areas, research focus and disciplinary approaches and taken together they provide a comprehensive overview of the intellectual territory currently being tilled by academia on this subject. This attempt at a coherent overview is offered in the spirit of debate and discussion, and the authors invite criticism, development and improvement. Another purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the range and type of research that the new journal Identity in the Information Society will publish, giving researchers working in the field a clearer idea of the scope of multidisciplinary study that is envisaged.

Who do you think you are? A review of the complex interplay between information systems, identification and identity

European Journal of Information Systems, 2014

This paper introduces the special issue on information systems, identity and identification. In addition to introducing the papers in the special issue, it provides a state-of-the-art review of research into identity and identification to contextualise the contributions of the special issue papers. The paper reviews research themes in personal and organisational identity as well as research challenges in identification before considering the interplay between these two strands.

Social identity and influences of informational technologies

2013

The identity is one of the key issues of modern society and when we take into account the influence of media and information technologies on the livelihoods of individuals then it becomes clear how fast identities have been changing and how qualitative transformations they suffered. In the post modern times computers present an unavoidable decor of present but simultaneously they entice with their utilities all users of this scientific and technical paradigm. Social identity is not what it used to be and its relatively loose structure comprises a sequence of even non consistent characteristics of the structure of identity that

Use of Technology to Assert Identity: Towards a Theory of Expanding Circles of Identity

2009

Abstract The question of'identity'is a complex one. It concerns who we are, and who we identify ourselves to be. The importance and sensitivity of identity is highlighted by the fact that while it gives one a sense of belonging, a narrow and skewed interpretation of one's identity can lead (in its extreme form) to acts of hatred, violence and terrorism. With the connectivity and ease of use brought about by the Internet and ICTs, people are findings new ways to connect and form circles of identity.

Formation and Control of Identity: In a Social Media World

2018

This chapter explores the construction of identity in online communities and websites for social purposes, and its consequences in terms of how one’s online identity may be utilized to such an extent that one’s real-world identity is either enforced or eroded. It does so by investigating the very nature of identity, coming predominantly from a cultural studies research and philosophical view, although it also cites some related findings and advances in computing and information systems (IS) research. The central argument across the chapter is two-fold: firstly, in promoting an initial shift in focus from the management of online identity to the nature and significance of identity itself whose construction may be conceptualized as a process of sense making and strengthening; and only then, armed with a better understanding of identity, one can focus back upon the management of it more effectively, with a view to the individual taking more control of their own identity within cyberspa...