1. How does technology influence or alter our sense of the self?

Our social worlds have been expanded dramatically in the last decade, from families,
friends, neighborhoods, and schools to an almost-boundless universe of people due to
the creation of the Internet and social media, it isn't difficult to see how external forces
may now be gaining a disproportionate influence over our self-identities compared
with previous generations. And these social influences, accelerated by the recent
explosion of technology, may be shaping our self-identities in ways in which most of us
are not the least bit aware. One of the most powerful ways in which technology is altering
self-identity is through the shift from being internally to externally driven. Social factors
have always had an impact on the formation of self-identity, but they had been, up until
recently, partners of sorts with our own internal contributors to self-identity. But now the
sheer ubiquity and force of the latest technological advances have taken that influence
and turned its volume up to a deafening roar.
2. What triggers Henry to create different online image?
Henry discusses why he uses forums and states, he says that the Internet allows him to
be respected despite his age. He says that he doesn't feel the need to prove himself when
he is online, and that he can carry himself any way he wants. He will use more
sophisticated language and insight so that his age is not apparent. In daily life, some
people feel incredibly judged. It is so harsh that they cannot feel comfortable being
themselves. Due to this, some turn to online interaction as a way to be accepted.
3. How did Henry’s online identities differ from his offline identity? Were there ways their
differences resembled one another?
Henry said that he’s not totally himself when his online. On more and more sites, a
person’s offline identity is connected to their online actions. His online identity is no
longer reflects his true selves, but rather the person that he thinks friends, family and
other people should see. Because of online Henry’s identity is not much the same with
his true self. The way he interacts with the people online is different from socializing
personally to people. He uses his word carefully when he is talking to people online. Henry
likes to be treated intelligent and rational thinking human. Not like in his own true age of
14 where adolescent tend to use different language and terms when talking to others.
4. Are there ways to present yourself online without telling lies? If so, how?
There are ways that we can present ourselves online without telling lies. We can still tell
them of who we are but not all information, and it depends on us whether we will share
our personal identity to online. We are not obligated online to share all of our necessary
and personal identity, we are not obligated give everyone an open access to our life. And
one of the best ways to present yourself online is just by being your true self. There is
nothing wrong if you show your true self, we are all different and we all have bad sides
and there is nothing that anyone can do. It is up to you on how you will be going to use
online appropriately, whether you will show your good side or bad side.