A DIGITAL IDENTITY CRISIS

People out of the virtual reality have the opportunity to figure out who they really are

- 

The social media platforms designed to bring people together often become more oriented towards reflecting back the self rather than serving as a window for common connection and social belonging. Social media's original goal of connecting individuals has shifted toward self-marketing and careful crafting of online personas. This results in a digital narcissism with individuals trying to get likes, shares and comments affirming their self-worth but limited by a contrived social media rating system.

As a result, they become victims of the vicious cycle where the feeling of self-worth becomes merged with the approval of online members.