The concept of digital identity refers to the online persona that people create for themselves through social media platforms, email addresses, websites, and other virtual spaces. It encompasses everything from their chosen name, age, occupation, hobbies, interests, and personality traits to more nuanced aspects such as gender identity and sexual orientation. While these aspects may be an integral part of someone's real-life identity, they are often hidden or misunderstood due to societal stigma, cultural norms, or legal restrictions. This can lead to a gap between how individuals see themselves and how others perceive them based on formal documents like birth certificates, passports, and driver's licenses.
In some countries, it is illegal to change one's gender marker on official documents without undergoing medical procedures or surgery.
Many governments require proof of citizenship before issuing new identification cards with updated names and genders. For transgender people, this means navigating complicated bureaucratic processes and potentially outing themselves to strangers who may not understand or accept their identity. Digital identities provide a way to mediate this gap by allowing individuals to express their true selves online while avoiding the risks associated with coming out in public.
A non-binary person might use neutral pronouns on Twitter but choose "female" on Instagram to fit into existing social norms. They could also use a pseudonym that better reflects their gender identity.
There are potential risks involved in using digital identities for identity mediation. One risk is that employers or landlords may reject applicants whose online personas do not match their formal IDs. Another risk is that hackers or malicious actors could obtain personal information from social media accounts and use it to steal identities or harass individuals.
Digital identities play an important role in bridging the gap between personal gender identity and formal legal recognition. While they offer opportunities for expression and empowerment, they also pose risks to privacy and safety. Governments should consider developing policies that recognize and support diverse gender identities without imposing unnecessary barriers to documentation changes. Social media platforms should prioritize user security and provide tools for managing privacy settings and account safety.
Individuals must be aware of the risks involved in sharing personal information online and take steps to protect themselves against cyberattacks.
How do digital identities mediate the gap between personal gender identity and formal legal recognition, and what risks emerge in this mediation?
"In recent years, more people have begun to identify as nonbinary individuals. While there are several reasons for this increase in self-identification, one possible cause may be the growing visibility of gender-nonconforming individuals on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.