Week Three:Topic 2 - Identity

Identity, everyone has one and people are known by their identity whether through their name, ethnicity or religion. But what happens when someone chooses to withhold certain aspects of their identity. Or even to change parts of their identity, to make a false identity. The CMC- study of computer-mediated communication suggests that different forms of computer-based communication will impact on how we present ourselves. The Internet allows us to experiment with other parts of ourselves, take risks or even express a part of one self that is not possible in everyday "meatspace". This leads me to the first question...

a) Is withholding one’s identity ethically wrong?
In certain situations I believe that withholding one's identity is not wrong, perhaps if you are talking to a stranger online it would not be a good idea to divulge your identity. If we look at in terms of it being ethically wrong, I would say so yes, we all have an identity it allows the government to keep in control of crime etc. The Internet allows the freedom to change ones identity and feel comfortable with who you are. However withholding one's identity in other circumstances is different for example entering fake details in a banks registration etc.

b) Should we always use our full name?
If we know that a website is secure, and the security is high on it then we should use our full name, however if the website is not known to us and does not appear trustworthy or display signs of it being secure then I would think not. Identity fraud can occur from the slightest piece of information.

c) Far from adopting a ‘mask’, isn't one appeal of the Net that you can express your true self among like minds?
On the Internet, people often use nicknames or 'handles' that allows people to change their persona. This acts as a mask, because people can hide behind their made up persona. It enables people to interact with people who share similar interests to their own. Theoretical framework has shown that identity is anything but fixed, and is understood as a fluid process. Therefor people can change their identity, when and were it suits them.

d,e and f will follow