We live in the digital age in which technology is even impacting the development of identity, specially in our younger generation. Identity as expressed by Altheide is, "the part of the self by which we are known to others" (Zhao, 2008). Before all of the technological advances, mainly the internet, people would identify themselves face to face based on their physical appearance and intellectual. That has changed in today's world. Now the internet gives people a protective shield by which they can share with others, through social media, only what they want others to know about them. In his article, Zhao mentions, "As the corporeal body is detached from social encounters in the online environment, it becomes possible for individuals to interact with one another on the Internet in fully dis-embodied text mode that reveals nothing about their physical characteristics" (Zhao, 2008). He further states that because people are not required to share any of their personal information such as background or address, it creates a sense of "anonymity and disembodiment" which in turn "creates a technologically mediated environment in which a new mode of identity production emerges" (Zhao, 2008).
Social Media further allows people to practice role playing since they are able to choose what they would like to depict of themselves to others. This further allows people to explore other parts of themselves they weren't aware of in turn helping them to identify who they truly are (Zhao, 2008). While many people may find negative consequences attached to this, others see it as an opportunity to be able to truly express themselves free from any of the impediments, such as stuttering or shyness, that may prevent them from socializing with others (Zhao, 2008).
As educators, we too can provide students with the means to help them explore and develop their identity while working on projects in our classes. This of course can be done utilizing technology. As Mesch states, "the internet has created a new generation of young people, who possess sophisticated knowledge and skills with information technologies, express values that support learning by experience and the creation of a culture in a digital space, and have particular learning and social preferences" (Mesch). Today's Net generation is creating such a big impact on our culture and that makes up part of their identity too as these younger people are the ones creating and providing more internet content (Mesch). Not only are we allowing for our students to role play through social media or other interactive apps in which they can communicate with people who share the same interests as them, but we are making them feel like they matter in society because they are the gurus in digital technology.
In my own middle school classroom, I plan to have my students complete performance assessments for every unit we study in UT Studies. After we cover the content of the different groups of people who came to UT, I will have my students ask themselves, "How am I making a contribution to UT the way these different groups of the past had done?" The performance assessment they will have to create is a virtual museum exhibition in which they explore their lives through the most meaningful moments and then analyze how those meaningful moments can potentially shape who they are or will become. I did an example of what I expect of them, using my own life and how I identify myself and my contribution to society, which is my previous blog.
What would you have your students do, to tap into their curiosity and help them find their true identity?
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