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https://doi.org/10.62836/jissh.v3i3.0028
Pan, Q. (2026). The Impact of Online Identity Conflict on Self-Perception and Social Anxiety. Journal of Integrated Social Sciences and Humanities, 3(3), 0028. https://doi.org/10.62836/jissh.v3i3.0028
Volume 3, Issue 3, 2026

The Impact of Online Identity Conflict on Self-Perception and Social Anxiety

Many people have multiple identities on the Internet and are therefore in conflict when these identities are revealed. Such tension reduces the distinctiveness of one’s self-concept and thus damages self-awareness, thereby increasing social anxiety for adolescents who are still forming their sense of self. This paper collects research results on the effect of virtual identity clashes on self-awareness and social cognition. Based on the theories of impression regulation and self-concept clarity, this paper believes that a combination of site-specific purposes, multiple user groups, and cultural elements leads to online identity conflict. This study also suggests that, through the cooperative efforts of individuals, teachers and Internet service providers, more instructional programs that promote genuine self-communication can be developed, and strategies will be proposed to reduce the burden on digital sites for identity presentation.

online identity conflict self-perception social anxiety self-concept clarity Impression Management

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Supporting Agencies

  1. Funding: This research received no external funding.