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A Social Identity Theory of Digital Identity
William J Bingley1,2, Peter Worthy3, Janet Wiles3
1Faculty of Education, The University of Melbourne.
Summary
This study introduces social digital identity theory, explaining how online and offline group memberships shape digital identities. This new framework integrates social and digital identity, impacting individual and group well-being and performance.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Digital Communication
Background:
- Digital platforms increasingly constitute and display personal identities.
- Existing theories explain digital identity formation through perceived social roles but not social life creation.
- Offline social identity theories do not account for unique digital platform features impacting identity.
Purpose of the Study:
- Propose a social digital identity theory to explain identity formation in merged online and offline lives.
- Integrate social identity and digital identity theories.
- Examine the impact of digital identity on individual and group well-being and performance.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical framework development.
- Integration of existing social identity and digital identity literature.
- Conceptual analysis of online and offline group memberships' influence.
Main Results:
- Social digital identity theory posits that digital identity is shaped by both online and offline group affiliations.
- This theory addresses the limitations of existing models in explaining online social life and platform-specific identity features.
- The theory highlights implications for individual and group psychological well-being and performance.
Conclusions:
- Social digital identity theory offers a comprehensive framework for understanding digital identity in the context of merged online and offline lives.
- This theory extends social identity research by incorporating the digital realm.
- Understanding social digital identity is crucial for well-being and performance in increasingly digital societies.
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