Азът в реалния и виртуалния свят
Self in the real and virtual world

Summary/Abstract: Virtual reality is gradually becoming a key factor of the socio-cultural framework defining the beginning of the new millennium. Adaptation of the self to this new reality requires development of new resources. In a study with 89 semi-structured interviews, the authors focus on the differences between the real and virtual Self. Data suggest distinct differences exist between the selves in the two worlds. Most people (58% of sample) state their virtual self experience has a very distinct identity but does not match their self in the real world. Other participants take advantage of the possibilities that virtual communication gives for making a better impression. They carefully build a positive and close to ideal image of themselves, intently pictured to be different from their real-life personality. Third part of our subjects think virtual reality contributes to a better expression of certain characteristics of their real self. On the whole, people express a feeling that being online gives an opportunity to get closer to one‘s ideal self. The combination of improved real self and approximation to the ideal self creates a feeling of self-actualization.

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