today’s digital age, the construction of personal identity has become increasingly complex. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook have transformed how we present ourselves to others. No longer confined to physical spaces or face-to-face interactions, the digital world has become a stage where identities are curated and performed. This idea draws from Erving Goffman’s concept of dramaturgy in The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life (1959), as well as perspectives from Roots Reloaded: Culture, Identity and Social Development in the Digital Age (2016).
Goffman’s Dramaturgy and Digital Self-Presentation
Goffman argues that individuals actively shape how they are perceived, noting that “the individual will try to control the impressions others have of him” (Goffman, 1959). In the digital world, this becomes even more pronounced. Social media users often craft idealised versions of themselves through curated posts, filters, and selective sharing. The concept of “performing the self” becomes visible in practices like choosing flattering photos, editing captions, or aligning with popular online aesthetics. Digital spaces amplify Goffman’s theory by giving users unprecedented control over their “front stage” performances.
Validation, Pressure, and the Digital Identity Loop
Digital presentation is shaped not only by personal choices but also by platform dynamics. TikTok, Instagram, and similar platforms promote specific identities through algorithms that reward certain types of content. As Roots Reloaded states, “digital identity is constantly evolving, shaped by the pressures of validation and the desire for social recognition” (Kole & Gasinger, 2016). Likes, comments, and follower counts become indicators of value, influencing how users shape their online personas. This feedback loop pressures individuals to maintain a curated identity aligned with what is considered “successful” or socially desirable online.
Authenticity and the Digital Self
Because the digital world allows for heavy editing, filtering, and selective disclosure, the line between authentic and constructed identity becomes blurred. While the ability to control one’s digital appearance can be empowering, it also risks creating identities that feel detached from everyday lived experiences. This highlights the tension between self-expression and social expectation, central to understanding digital identity today.
REFERENCES
Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.
Kole, A., & Gasinger, M. A. M. (Eds.). (2016). Roots Reloaded: Culture, Identity and Social Development in the Digital Age. Springer.
