Assessing the Alignment Between Virtual and Real Identity in Iran: Evaluating the Challenges
Keywords:
virtual identity, real identity, identity contradiction, cyberspace, challengesAbstract
The emergence of cyberspace as an inseparable part of daily life has posed a novel challenge to individuals’ identities. The contradiction between virtual and real identity is one of the complex phenomena of the digital age, bringing extensive individual, social, and cultural consequences. This study aims to investigate this challenge and propose strategies for its management. The research adopts a meta-synthesis and comparative analysis approach to examine related studies conducted between 2010 and 2024. The sources include peer-reviewed academic articles, international regulations, and the experiences of leading countries in virtual identity management. The theoretical framework is grounded in the theories of Giddens, Tajfel, and Castells. The findings indicate that anonymity, flexibility, and multiplicity in virtual environments lead to the emergence of contradictions between real and virtual identities. These contradictions result in psychological consequences such as anxiety and reduced self-confidence, social consequences such as diminished public trust and social cohesion, and cultural consequences such as the weakening of national identity and the deepening of generational gaps. Based on comparative analysis, the experiences of Estonia, the European Union, and China reveal that integrating advanced technologies (such as blockchain and artificial intelligence), enacting comprehensive regulations like the GDPR, and enhancing public education can facilitate better management of this challenge. In the Iranian context, the development of digital identification systems, the establishment of comprehensive privacy laws, and the promotion of indigenous cultural content are recommended. Managing identity contradictions requires a multidimensional and integrative approach that encompasses technology, policymaking, and cultural education. These strategies can help mitigate the adverse effects of cyberspace on users' individual and social identities.
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