Online Identity and Self-Presentation
Expert-defined terms from the Global Certificate in Cyber Psychology course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Avatar #
A digital representation of a user in a virtual environment, often customizable to reflect the user's desired online identity.
Catfishing #
The act of creating a fake online identity to deceive or manipulate someone, often with the intention of starting a romantic relationship.
Cyberbullying #
The use of digital communication tools, such as social media or messaging apps, to harass, intimidate, or threaten someone.
Cyberstalking #
The repeated and unwanted online pursuit of an individual, often with malicious intent.
Digital footprint #
The trail of data that individuals leave behind as they use digital technologies, including social media, search engines, and online forums.
Echo chamber #
An online environment in which users are exposed only to ideas and opinions that align with their own, often leading to polarization and a lack of critical thinking.
Flaming #
The act of sending hostile or insulting messages to someone online, often with the intention of provoking a reaction.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) #
A feeling of anxiety or insecurity that arises from the perception that others are having more exciting or fulfilling experiences.
Grooming #
The act of building a relationship with a child or vulnerable individual online with the intention of exploiting them sexually or otherwise.
Hashtag #
A word or phrase preceded by the "#" symbol, used on social media to categorize and search for related content.
Internet trolling #
The act of posting inflammatory or provocative messages online with the intention of causing upset or conflict.
Memes #
Cultural ideas, behaviors, or styles that are transmitted and imitated online, often in the form of images or videos.
Online disinhibition effect #
The phenomenon in which individuals behave differently online than they would in face-to-face interactions, often due to a lack of social cues and accountability.
Online persona #
The digital identity that individuals present to others online, often through social media profiles or online communities.
Phishing #
The act of sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a trustworthy source, often with the intention of obtaining personal information or installing malware.
Privacy settings #
The options provided by social media platforms and other digital tools that allow users to control who can see their content and personal information.
Sexting #
The act of sending sexually explicit messages or images via digital communication tools.
Shadow profile #
A collection of data about an individual that is compiled by a social media platform or other digital service, often without the individual's knowledge or consent.
Slactivism #
The act of supporting a cause or movement through digital means, often without taking any real-world action.
Sock puppet #
A fake online identity created by an individual to deceive or manipulate others, often used for trolling or other malicious purposes.
Troll farm #
A coordinated group of individuals who are paid to create and disseminate fake news or propaganda online, often with the intention of influencing public opinion.
Virtue signaling #
The act of publicly expressing opinions or beliefs in order to signal one's moral superiority or social justice bona fides, often without taking any real-world action.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) #
A technology that allows users to connect to the internet through a secure, encrypted connection, often used to protect privacy and bypass internet censorship.
White hat hacker #
An ethical hacker who uses their skills to identify and report vulnerabilities in digital systems, often hired by organizations to test their security.
Zoombombing #
The act of disrupting a Zoom meeting or other video conferencing session by sharing inappropriate content or taking control of the screen.