Curating the Digital Self: Identity in the Age of Avatars and Algorithms

By: Joseph James Udoh |Columnist | WBN NEWS Africa | July 15, 2025

In an era where much of daily life unfolds online, the concept of identity is being reshaped by how individuals present themselves across digital platforms. From Instagram to LinkedIn, and even in virtual spaces like gaming environments and forums, users are curating highly tailored versions of themselves, blending authenticity with strategy.

This phenomenon, known as digital selfhood, reflects a shift in how people view and express identity. Social media profiles highlight achievements, aesthetics, and values in ways designed to influence how others perceive them. Meanwhile, anonymous forums and avatars in virtual worlds allow for experimentation and reinvention, free from real-world constraints.

These curated personas aren't just for show; they influence self-perception, too. Research from the American Psychological Association indicates that the act of managing online identity can reinforce certain traits, behaviors, and even emotional states. In other words, the persona you project can become a part of who you are.

This evolving landscape also brings challenges. The pressure to maintain a consistent image across platforms can be exhausting, and discrepancies between online and offline selves may lead to feelings of disconnection or impostor syndrome. Additionally, the rise of algorithm-driven visibility means users must often balance authenticity with what performs well.

A humorous but concerning look at this phenomenon was also spotlighted in a previous post on WBN News- you can read about it here.

As digital life continues to blur with the physical, understanding the nuances of identity construction online is critical for both individuals navigating their selfhood and for platforms shaping the stage on which it unfolds.

TAG: #Digital Identity #Online Persona #Social Media #Self Perception #Avatars

Joseph James Udoh is a WBN News contributor with a passion for digital empowerment. With a background in computer science, theology, and human resource leadership, he brings a unique blend of insight to his writing. An educator, counselor, and content strategist, Joseph is dedicated to helping individuals and teams thrive in today’s digital world.

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Editor: Wendy S Huffman