RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

SESSION NO. 6 / WEEK NO. 7

MODULE NO. 6: THE DIGITAL SELF

1. Meaning of Digital Self

2. Difference between Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants
3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Native Individuals
4. Meaning of Digital Identity
5. Meaning of Digital Footprint
a. Passive Digital Footprint
b. Active Digital Footprint
6. Meaning of Impression Management
a. Positive Aspects of Impression Management
b. Negative Aspects of Impression Management
7. Understanding the Implications of the Creation of Digital Self

Overview

This module explores the impact of technology on society. It focuses on how

technology use enables people to become digital citizens, how it sustains relationships
and establish collaborations with other people, and what kind of digital identities are
being shaped while outlining the responsible use of technology.

Study Guide

You are expected to:

1. Read and understand the entire module;
2. Read the attached additional reading links. Some of the items in the quiz came
from these reading materials;
3. Submit the file of the activity you created based on what you have learned in
this module;
4. Answer and passed the required score on the quiz provided after reading the
entire module and additional materials links. Please remember that quizzes are
online, and retakers are not allowed.
5. Do the activity on your own.

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 1

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Know and understand what is digital footprint,
2. Learn how to enhance your social media reputation by having a positive digital
footprint,
3. Share your social media experience, and
4. Discuss the effects of social media on your personal lives.

Pre-assessment

Let's check your familiarity with the different online websites and applications.

1.
__________

2.
__________

3.

__________

4.

__________

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 2

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

5.

__________

Topic Presentation

Have you ever asked your parents how they communicate with their loved ones
before? How did they manage to finish their studies just plainly using textbooks? There
are lots of differences that we can observe that had happened from generation to
generation, such as the enhancement of technology. In the previous generations, the
means of communication is through the use of letter writing and telephone calls. We
can say that great poetic individuals were born during this era. As time goes by, the
invention of pagers or beepers emerges to receive and display alphanumeric or voice
messages. In today's generation, the use of cellular phones and different social media
platforms keep people connected.
The advancement of modern technology affects our real self- concept or the idea of
who we are and our ideal self-concept or the idealized image that we have developed
based on what we have experienced and learned. But how does modern technology
affect our real and ideal self-concept? Let us examine this example. Margarita posts
to her different social media account everything that is happening to her. What
Margarita portrays in her social media account is her digital self. When we say digital
self, it is the persona you use when you are online. Digital self spans everything from
text messages to your fashion styles, your trips, your previous and present job
statuses, and many other significant and insignificant points in between. According to
Hill (2018), our digital self can become our vivid representation of our wants, needs,
motivations, and insecurities. There are elements of the digital self, and these are the
1.) Your online behavior (e.g., the number of times you update your status on
Facebook), 2.) Your online voice (e.g., the conversations you do with other people in

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 3

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

your social media account), and 3.) Your online presentation (e.g., how you create a
social media profile to present yourself).
Digital natives are individuals who were
born after the widespread adoption of digital
technology. These are individuals who have
grown up using technology such as the
Internet, computer, and mobile devices.
These individuals are in the Millennial
generation (born between 1981 and 1996),
Generation Z (born between
1996 and 2020), and Generation Alpha (born between 2011 and 2025). Since the rise
of digital technology slowly begins in the millennial generation, we can say that not all
individuals included in this generation are digital natives. Some of the characteristics
in the era of digital natives are the following: 1.) Gen. Z individuals are intuitive and
participative learners, have a high capacity to do multi-tasking tasks, speak tech,
knows what they need to work on, and sees the world in less hierarchical terms; and
2.) Gen. Alpha individuals are more immersed in technology, can learn in visual and
interactive teaching methods, and are more inclusive and aware of their public image.
Digital immigrants, on the other hand, are individuals who were born before the
widespread use of digital technology. Generally, these are individuals who were born
before the Millennial generation. Since a vast array of digital technology arises, being
included in the digital native era has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Digital Native Individuals
Advantages Disadvantages
1. They are more 1. They are impatient.
creative, multimedia-oriented. 2. They are egocentric.
2. They fear failure less. 3. They don’t want to be tied to a
3. They are more social. commitment.
4. They are more likely to be 4. They focus on the superficial.
actively involved. 5. They are overloaded
5. They are expressive. with information.
6. They have electronic friends. 6. They view technology as a need.
7. They multi-task more. 7. They feel a sense of entitlement.
8. They have developed and share 8. They struggle with evaluating
a common language. quality of information.
9. They are more comfortable
operating with different kinds of
inputs (visual, audio, kinesthetic)
rather than with text-only.
10. They are more global.
11. They are risk takers.
12. They want to modify, create, and
produce.
13. They want to be flexible and
responsive to opportunity,
14. They are striving
to be independent.

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 4

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

Whether an individual is a digital native or a digital immigrant, he can still have a digital
identity. A digital identity is the electronic equivalent of "real" identity, and its features
are associated with its bearer, in this case, electronic data (VingrisTECH, 2019). There
are two different ways to look at an individual's digital identity. It can be thru online
personas we create on social media that are often comparable to the real-world
characters that we play, compiled of our actions, relationships, possessions, and
accomplishments. It can also be our identities we create for online services.
The creation of digital identity can leave traces behind online. It is called a
digital footprint. Comments on social media, apps used, and email records are part of
the online history that can be potentially be seen by other people or can be in a tracking
database. There are two types of digital footprints - the passive and the active.
A passive digital footprint is a piece of collected
information from the user without permission. Examples
are the use of a search engine, online shopping, enabling
location services, and using password saving services. An
active digital footprint is where the user has deliberately
shared information about themselves either by using
social media sites or by using websites.
Examples are when posting or commenting on social
media, sending an email or instant message, and even video calling a friend.
A digital footprint can have a lasting impact on one's reputation, relationships,
and employment opportunities (both positive and negative). Anything posted online is
permanent and stays there forever regardless of being deleted. There are reasons to
care about your digital footprint as to protect one's reputation, maintain one's ability to
decide where and how personal information is shared, prevent financial loss, and
preserve one's freedom.
According to Sinha (2009), impression management is an active
selfpresentation of a person aiming to enhance his image in the eyes of others. It is an
act presenting a favorable public image of oneself that others will form positive
judgments (Newman, 2009). Sociologist Erving Goffman believed that we are born
driven onto a stage called everyday life and that our socialization consists of learning
how to play our assigned roles from other people. We enact our roles in the company
of others, who are portraying their roles in interaction with us. He believed that
whatever we do, we are playing out some roles on the stage of life. Factors such as
clothing, physical stature, halo effect, culture, and stereotypes affect impression
management.
Managing impressions is what impression
management is all about. The concept tries to create a positive
impression to boost its revenue figures. The two main motives
behind the process of impression management are the
expressive motive and instrumental motive. The expressive
motive is the result of an individual's response towards
expectations, restrictions, or social norms. It
encourages a person to be in charge of his behavior and identity and influences others
accordingly. The instrumental motive, on the hand, is the aspiration of a person to

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 5

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

boost his self-esteem to gain desired rewards. It is why he tries to influence and
perception to get back something from other individuals.
Impression management can have positive and negative aspects. These are:
Positive Aspects Negative Aspects

• “White lies” that present the • It reinforces the perception of

individual in a better light are to inferiority.
always be expected, to some • It creates unrealistic
degree. expectations.
• It has been generally agreed • It is not scientifically backed, for
upon the fact that a bit deception most of the cases.
is sometimes necessary in order It is a contradiction in itself, as a
for an individual to get what they •
concept.
want. It is wrong for ethical reasons,
“False” •
• compliments, managing impressions often
agreements and other things of being called as “just another
this nature are well-known and name for lying”.
generally agreed
upon and accepted,
depending on the social setting,
and without going too far.
10 Typical Behavior and Tactics that people use to manipulate impressions
1.
Lying or gossiping
People tend to resort to lying or gossiping to change a particular outcome as part of
impression management.
2.
Intimidation
A person uses aggression so that he can compel
others to obey him.
3.
Flattery
An individual uses flowery words to improve his standing in the hope that others will like
him better because of it.
4.
Dressing
The way a person dresses shows his desire to manage and change the perception of the
person with whom he is going to come into contact.
5.
Conforming to social norms
A person follows all the agreed-upon rules and
regulations for behavior to make a favorable impression.
6.
Boasting
This is self-presentation and includes excessive bluster to gain acceptance.
7.
Self-promotion

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 6

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

A person displays his skills, know-how, and success

to others to promote himself and improve his image.
8.
Supplication

A person shows his shortcomings to appear needy

or to gain desperate approval from others.
9.
Behavioral matching

A person who wants to match his behavior with

someone superior or
even a colleague to make favorable impression.
10.
Appreciation

A person compliments another person on being in

his good books.

Source: https://www.marketing91.com/impression-management/

The development of technology has led us to many mind-blowing discoveries, better

facilities, and better luxuries, but at the same time has dramatically changed our daily
lives. Various highly-developed gadgets, connected to the internet, have changed the
way we communicate, use humor, study, work, shop, play, and behave (Turner, 2020).
Having a digital life has its pros and cons. It can link people to people,
knowledge, education, and entertainment anywhere globally at any time in an
affordable, nearly frictionless manner. It can revolutionize civic, business, consumer,
and personal logistics, opening up a world of opportunity and options. It can empower
people to improve, advance, or reinvent their lives, allowing them to selfactualize, meet
soul mates, and make a difference in the world. In contrast, people's cognitive
capabilities will be challenged in multiple ways, including their capacity for analytical
thinking, memory, focus, creativity, reflection, and mental resilience. People can
become addicted to the usage of digital technology. The personal agency will be
reduced and emotions such as shock, fear, indignation, and outrage will be further
weaponized online, driving divisions and doubts. Information overload, trust issues in
face-to-face skills, and poor interface designs can lead to stress, anxiety, depression,
inactivity, and sleeplessness. The structure of the internet and the pace of digital
change invite ever-evolving threats to human interaction, security, democracy, jobs,
privacy, and more.
As we adapt to changes in our modern world, we must consider its implications
to our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being. We must be
careful of the information we post online, how to portray our behavior online, and the
way we communicate with other people online.

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 7

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

The following guidelines can help us share information online in a smart way
that will protect us and not harm others. Before posting kor sharing anything online,
we must consider the following:

• Is this post/story necessary?

• Is there a real benefit to this post? Is it funny, warm-hearted, teachable
– or am I just making noise online without purpose?
• Have we (as a family or parent/child) resolved this issue? An issue that
is still being worked out at home, or one that is either vulnerable or
highly emotional, should not be made public.
• Is it appropriate? Does it stay within the boundaries of our family
values?
• Will this seem as funny in 5, 10, or 15 years? Or is this post better suited
for sharing with a small group of family members? Or maybe not at all?
Additional Readings
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/cutting-edge-
leadership/201310/thedangerous-art-impression-management
https://louisianadreamer.wordpress.com/tag/impression-management/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40894-015-0014-8
https://www.theemotionmachine.com/the-dark-sides-of-our-digital-self/
https://youtu.be/Ro_LlRg8rGg

References

https://evonomie.net/digital-identity/your-digital-self-how-to-present-yourself-online/
https://www.herald.co.zw/digital-immigrants-need-to-catch-up/
https://www.digitalhrtech.com/what-comes-after-generation-z/
https://www.zurinstitute.com/clinical-updates/digital-immigrants-digital-natives/
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/digitalimmigrant.asp#:~:text=Generally%20tho
se%20born%20before%20the,the%20intern et%20and%20smart%20devices.
https://www.finextra.com/blogposting/16651/what-we-mean-by-digital-identity
https://www.internetsociety.org/tutorials/your-digital-footprint-matters/
https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/your-family/online-safety/digital-footprints/
https://www.igrad.com/articles/privacy-and-your-digital-footprint
https://www.digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au/articles/leaving-a-digital-footprint
https://www.sparknotes.com/sociology/identity-and-reality/section2/page/2/
https://www.marketing91.com/impression-management/
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2018/04/17/the-future-of-well-being-in-a-
techsaturated-world/

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 8

 RIZAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

Alata, Eden Joy., Caslib Jr., Bernardo Nicolas., Serafica, Janice Patria J., Pawilen,
R.A. (2018). Understanding the Self. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Bookstore Inc.
Hill, Andrew. (2018). Your digital self – why you should keep every byte you create.
Retrieved from https://medium.com/textileio/your-digital-self-why-you-should-
keepevery-byte-you-create-3a73bf0b3eb1
Newman, D. M. (2009). Sociology: Exploring the architecture of everyday life.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.
Sinha, J. B. (2009). Culture and organization national behaviour. Thousand Oaks, CA:
Sage Publications.
Turner, Jack. (2020). The 6 Main Ways Technology Impacts Your Daily Life. Retrieved
from https://tech.co/vpn/main-ways-technology-impacts-daily-life VingrisTECH.
(2019). Digital identity: what is it and what does it mean for organizations. Retrieved
from https://www.vintegris.tech/blog/digital-identity-what-isit-meaning-organizations/

COURSE TITLE: Understanding the Self 9