Challenges of digital identity: a critical analysis from the perspective of social representations

Abstract

The virtualization of identity experience offers new perspectives on how digital technologies shape the perception, construction, and expression of identities in virtual environments. Through profiles, avatars, and other digital representations, individuals find a space to experiment with different forms of presentation and interaction, breaking away from traditional identity norms. To deepen the understanding of this phenomenon, the analysis will be guided by the Theory of Social Representations, proposed by Serge Moscovici, which will allow for an exploration of the cultural and social implications of this transformation. This article discusses how digital platforms open up new possibilities for identity exploration and how these dynamics influence the relationship between the "real self" and the "virtual self," providing a critical reflection on the changes in individual and collective identity experience in the digital age.