Identity in Digital Realm
摘要
This chapter presents the concept and key characteristics of virtual reality and digital communication. It examines how the Internet and social media have transformed the way individuals perceive and construct their identities—both personally and collectively. Building on the previous chapter’s discussion of identity politics and its historical roots, the analysis extends into the digital realm by considering the political dimensions of online spaces, including their role in political expression, engagement, and activism. Furthermore, the influence of digital platforms on national identity is examined, as online communities transcend geographic borders and cultivate new forms of national and cultural affiliation. Drawing on examples from both the MAGA (“Make America Great Again”) and anti-MAGA movements, the chapter demonstrates the substantial ways in which the virtual environment (re)shapes the sense of self and community in the digital age. In addition, complementary examples from Russia, China, India, and the European context—particularly through various political movements—provide further insight into how digital technologies function across diverse political systems to shape identity formation and practices of political engagement.