SYG4119CBE
Understanding Digital Identity Formation
Rasmussen College
Course: SYG4119CBE
Understanding Digital Identity Formation
Identity expansion is the formulation of an individual’s unique characteristics, interests,
roles, and values. There are countless theories of identity expansion, both in sociology and
psychology. Understanding these different theories will help to explain how technology and
digital forums can subsidize our identity formation.
Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, believed that the psyche was composed of
three different parts. These parts are the id, ego, and superego. The id is the primeval, unfiltered
desire of instantaneous gratification, and we want what we want now. The ego advances from the
id thru infancy. The ego’s goal is to mollify the difficulties of the id in an innocuous and socially
suitable way. Mature adulthood is known as the conflict between the id and superego and is often
the mediator between precipitateness and hyperactive morality. It helps stabilize the id and
superego in a balanced and accurate point of view. “The superego is hypervigilant, and the great
moral side does not want us to make wrong choices or hasty conclusions. Everything is well
planned and thought out to the highest of standards.” (McLeod, 2018).
The internet has had a significant influence on the significant deviations in the way we
interconnect and the way that we present ourselves. With the progress and development of social
media sites such as Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc., we are now communicating
through these sites. We have fewer face-to-face encounters, and we also communicate with our
online groups more than our neighbors and colleagues. First impressions are essential, and
almost all people have an online distinctiveness, and there are many things to keep in mind when
showing ourselves. One needs to consider photos and images that portray our best self and will
Understanding Digital Identity Formation
Rasmussen College
Course: SYG4119CBE
Understanding Digital Identity Formation
Identity expansion is the formulation of an individual’s unique characteristics, interests,
roles, and values. There are countless theories of identity expansion, both in sociology and
psychology. Understanding these different theories will help to explain how technology and
digital forums can subsidize our identity formation.
Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, believed that the psyche was composed of
three different parts. These parts are the id, ego, and superego. The id is the primeval, unfiltered
desire of instantaneous gratification, and we want what we want now. The ego advances from the
id thru infancy. The ego’s goal is to mollify the difficulties of the id in an innocuous and socially
suitable way. Mature adulthood is known as the conflict between the id and superego and is often
the mediator between precipitateness and hyperactive morality. It helps stabilize the id and
superego in a balanced and accurate point of view. “The superego is hypervigilant, and the great
moral side does not want us to make wrong choices or hasty conclusions. Everything is well
planned and thought out to the highest of standards.” (McLeod, 2018).
The internet has had a significant influence on the significant deviations in the way we
interconnect and the way that we present ourselves. With the progress and development of social
media sites such as Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc., we are now communicating
through these sites. We have fewer face-to-face encounters, and we also communicate with our
online groups more than our neighbors and colleagues. First impressions are essential, and
almost all people have an online distinctiveness, and there are many things to keep in mind when
showing ourselves. One needs to consider photos and images that portray our best self and will
