Topic > The terms Multiple Identity and Virtual Identity

This essay is written to represent what was covered in my group's presentation. It is human nature for both young people and adults to represent one or more identities. Some people like to show their ethnic identity, while others prefer to represent multiple identities. The terms “multiple identity” and “virtual identity” are often overlapping; but there is a big difference in meaning. When one presents multiple identities, one is able to embody multiple identities simultaneously but within boundaries, unlike virtual identities. Another difference is that the representation of multiple identities happens in real life, unlike virtual identities, which happen in the online virtual world. For example, a 36-year-old woman can have multiple identities, such as mother, lawyer, sister, and friend, but cannot be a 60-year-old woman or man. However, people can create their own character (computer-generated identity) when using the Internet. Basically a man can be a woman and a woman can be a man. A young man can be old, and old people can be young. This type of more fluid and performative identity, in which the subject is embodied, is called “virtual identity” (Benwell & Stokoe, 2006). Linguists have conducted many studies regarding virtual identities and adolescence. The vast majority of scholars agree on the reasons that push adolescence to build virtual identities in online media. The most significant reason is the fact that adolescents at the age of puberty are in a phase of self-exploration and deeper knowledge of their identities. This point has also been developed from a sociological point of view. In the social interactionism perspective, adolescents take on the roles of others through playful attitudes in which they take on internationally diverse people and learn about other cultures. Most young people are passionate about Korean media and therefore are learning to read and write Korean. As for language, English, Korean Arabic, English Arabic and netspeak features are used when communicating virtually. Despite the freedom they enjoy in virtual worlds, they still show great attention to their ethnic identity by writing religious quotes in Arabic and defending their religion. It is worth noting that teenagers nowadays begin to watch Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian films. and Indonesian drama. What could be the reasons for Saudis moving towards Eastern drama rather than Western drama? Are there ethnic similarities between Saudis and Orientals? Will they love them as much as they love Koreans? Will they learn their languages? These questions deserve to be explored in further research.