Pope John Paul II Journal of Philosophy

The question " who am I?" or " what is the nature of my being?" seeks to unravel what constitutes one's identity, values, purpose and place in the world. So, the idea of the self presupposes a persons' understanding and perception of who they are in terms of their thoughts, feelings, actions and unique attributes. Today, our constant interaction with digital platforms increasingly shapes our perception and interaction with others leading to what this paper sees as the " illusion of the self". Against this backdrop, the paper critically exposes the illusion of the self in the digital age. It argues that this illusion arises as we curate and present ourselves online, often selectively highlighting certain aspects of our identities and masking others. This creates a fragmented self that disconnects between the digital self and the real self which ultimately results in the blurring of boundaries between reality and virtuality. In addition, the paper shows that the constant feedback loop of likes, comments, and shares can further reinforce this illusion, leading individuals to prioritize online validation and external perceptions over their authentic selves. In order to avoid this fragmented self, the paper advocates for the cultivation of the culture of self-reflection and critical thinking in the consumption of online platforms in order to maintain a healthy sense of self-authenticity.

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