What is an online identity?
An identity is the basic building block of any social interaction. However, unlike physical interaction, where verbal and non-verbal cues are offered, online identities strips away most of such cues and creates a limitation in communiation. More often than not, it would also lead to an ambiguity over identity. (Kollock, 1999) An online identity is technically a social identity by which network users establish themselves in online communities. Other users would interact with the established identity based on its reputation, which would help them decide if the identity is worthy of trust. (Online Identity, 2007)
Examples of the use of online identities.
The above is one of the communities that I belong to; TorrentSpy (www.torrentspy.com). It is a website where users are able to upload and download torrent files. On this website, the reputation of the individual who uploads a file is very important in determining the quality of the product that is downloaded. There have been instances were an imposter uploads a lack-lustre file on another torrent site using a popular uploader's user name. This impersonation can wreck havoc on person's reputation. (Donath, 1996)
Hence, a disclaimer had to be put out to warn would-be downloaders of the imposter to protect his reputation. 
Disclaimer by a popular torrent uploader
A classic example of identity theft and alas, there is no jurisdiction over online identities. Basically, your online identity is a free for all, there are no laws governing your online identity. (Online Identity, 2007)
Disclaimer by a popular torrent uploaderAnother example of the use of online identities is with gaming, MMORPGs to be exact. Being an avid gamer, I am one of the many who are "addicted" to Maple Story. 
In MapleStory, you can be anyone you want to be and more. In that, you can create different characters of different of different genders or race. What is so appalling is that the game allows players to be virtually married. (see above picture of a "Valentine's Day Special") This poses a concerning issue because it creates an opportunity to redefine sexual and gender identity. (Online Identity, 2007) This can further lead to doubt of whether the person you are "attracted" to is "really" who they say there are. One person's experimentation with his/her sexuality is another person's deceit. (Kollock, 1999)
Another issue is with the selling of identities. Players of MapleStory have been known to sell their characters in the game for thousands of dollars. Some have even make a career out of it. However, this can only be made so by someone, who's identity is of excellent reputation. (Online Identity, 2007) Here, we don't see it as identity theft, but more of marketing one's online identity in return for monetary value.
Conclusion
To conclude, online identities may serve a double edged purpose. It creates a new found form of freedom of expression and on the other hand, creates a new opportunity for theft. There is no way of preventing identity theft as the internet is evolving faster than we can produce solution. (Donath, 1996) We just have to be extra wary of the dangers of the possibilities of having your online identity stolen or even misused. Also, and I can't seem to say this enough, not everyone online is who they make themselves out to be. It is always better safe than sorry to check the other party out thoroughly. So, boys and girls, the next time someone in an online community expresses a romantic interest in you, be REALLY sure who you are talking to.
References:
Donath, J. S. (1996). Identity and Deception in the Virtual Community. Retrieved on February 22, 2007 from http://smg.media.mit.edu/people/Judith/Identity/IdentityDeception.html
Kollock, P. & Smith, M. (1999). Communities in Cyberspace. Retrieved on February 22, 2007 from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/soc/faculty/kollock/papers/communities_01.htm
Online Identity (2007). In Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on February 22, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Online_identity&oldid=108207999
Another issue is with the selling of identities. Players of MapleStory have been known to sell their characters in the game for thousands of dollars. Some have even make a career out of it. However, this can only be made so by someone, who's identity is of excellent reputation. (Online Identity, 2007) Here, we don't see it as identity theft, but more of marketing one's online identity in return for monetary value.
Conclusion
To conclude, online identities may serve a double edged purpose. It creates a new found form of freedom of expression and on the other hand, creates a new opportunity for theft. There is no way of preventing identity theft as the internet is evolving faster than we can produce solution. (Donath, 1996) We just have to be extra wary of the dangers of the possibilities of having your online identity stolen or even misused. Also, and I can't seem to say this enough, not everyone online is who they make themselves out to be. It is always better safe than sorry to check the other party out thoroughly. So, boys and girls, the next time someone in an online community expresses a romantic interest in you, be REALLY sure who you are talking to.
References:
Donath, J. S. (1996). Identity and Deception in the Virtual Community. Retrieved on February 22, 2007 from http://smg.media.mit.edu/people/Judith/Identity/IdentityDeception.html
Kollock, P. & Smith, M. (1999). Communities in Cyberspace. Retrieved on February 22, 2007 from http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/soc/faculty/kollock/papers/communities_01.htm
Online Identity (2007). In Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved on February 22, 2007 from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Online_identity&oldid=108207999
2 comments:
Jon: Thanks for providing not one but two interesting case studies. I've only heard of MapleWood when I returned to Singapore... I'll need to check it out. Full grades :)
Oops, I meant Maple Story, not MapleWood.
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