Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

Self-Discrepancy: The Discrepancy Between Digital Identity and Real Identity on Social Media and Its Psychological Impact

Ziyi HeSchool of Guangdong Country Garden* Yixuan LiQuality School International of Shekou Qianyi ZhaoDepartment of Art, Zhejiang Yuexiu University, Zhejiang, China Jingran SunDepartment of Literature and Journalism, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Chongqing, China Xi ZhangWuhan Haidian Foreign Language Shiyan School

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

With the rise of social media, more and more individuals are particularly concerned with the definition of digital identity concepts– how a person builds their self image on the virtual world. This false identity is always at variance with one’s actual self and can pose therapeutic effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate the difference between the digital identity and the real one and the effect that those differences have on mental health. We employed a mixed methods approach to measures the difference between how participants presented themselves online and how they perceive themselves physically by means of questionnaires and content analysis. Our results shown such differences exist about mental health variables self-esteem, anxiety, and also depression. Participants indicated that it was challenging to avoid feeling the need to project an ideal self. This pressure applied for, negative impression towards self, and increase in anxiety within participants. This study stressed about the need to understand why there are differences in one’s digital identity from their real one and the possible effects on the persons health suggesting that the fact that actual self is often obscured by the self ‘marketed’ online affects people’s health. Importantly, by addressing these issues, our research extends the discussion on mental health in the age of e-technology and calls for an increasing recognition of the adverse effects of social media on health and, more importantly, strategies to reduce them.

Keywords: digital identity; real identity; social media; psychological impact; self-esteem
Published: May 15, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2024.22811
Volume: CHR Vol.59
pp. 132-141
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