Self-Representation

Overview
Self-representation is how a user chooses to interact with the internet. This can come in many forms, such as usernames, created avatars or using real life identification. The type used usually depends on the type of web interaction being done as well as the situations where the users information is being displayed.

Usernames
Typically usernames are utilized when a user wants to maintain their anonymity during online interactions with others and typically on websites. Usually websites are not conducive to allowing the user to create full avatars to protect user privacy. These usernames can be created for many purposes ranging from online forums where users interact with each other or to create accounts to sign up for services while allowing the user to maintain some semblance of privacy when browsing the web or searching for results in search engines. On top of being used to protect user privacy usernames can also be used to track user data by associating it to an account, this allows for not only the users to protect themselves but also for improvements to be made in algorithms and also in the results returned to the user.

Avatars
Avatars are a way of creating a physical representation of the user in a virtual world. These expand on usernames by associating a visual representation alongside it. Avatars go a step further than usernames by not only allowing users to protect their privacy but also by allowing the user to choose what imagery is associated with them. A very common situation where avatars are utilized is Massive Multiplayer Online Games.

Real Life Identification
Real life identification online is often utilized on professional sites such as LinkedIn or social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter, The reason for this is that these web services are utilized to form real life contacts and information channels and it is assumed that the people interacting with you are people who know you in real life. The sites given as examples all have privacy features that help to limit user exposure despite the open presentation of real life information about the user.

Concerns with Self-Representation
A major concern with self-representation is the fact that it allows users to maintain anonymity despite any actions which may lead to users acting in a manner they would not do in person. One example of this is online bullying in which people may speak or act in a manner they know is morally or ethically wrong simply because they know no one will know who they are in person.