Emergence of Digital Identities

In the modern digital space, many intentionally refuse to use real portraits, preferring to create their individually constructed identity. This approach allows individuals to separate their personal self from their virtual image, granting them the freedom to experiment and change based on their moods, communication goals, or even their audience. The ability to form an arbitrary image reduces the pressure associated with appearance evaluation and helps avoid the stereotypical perception where one's looks become a label that defines personality. Moreover, the flexibility of virtual self-expression opens the door to creative experimentation—whether it involves changing one's name, age, or even professional affiliation, a person gets the opportunity to infinitely embody their ideas and dreams. Thus, moving away from real portraits becomes not just a means of maintaining anonymity but a powerful tool for self-expression, enabling individuals to remain masters of their public identity in the ever-changing world of the internet.

Why do some people choose not to post their portraits as avatars on social networks, and what may be the reasons behind such a choice?

Some people consciously abandon the use of their real portraits as avatars because they find it important to separate their personal, real identity from virtual self-expression. They aim to preserve the freedom to create an image that does not have to correspond to objective appearance or meet the expectations of others. In such cases, the image becomes an arbitrary construction that can be altered, reformatted, and "worn" based on mood, communication goals, or the collective with whom they interact online.

This approach helps reduce the pressure related to external appearance while avoiding the attachment of labels that can occur when using a real portrait. As noted in one of the sources, users are aware that:

"This image will be perceived by other users as self-evident, while they are fully aware of the potential incongruity of the constructed virtual image with the real face that created it. Thus, for example, no one can prevent a person from introducing themselves to an unseen conversational partner—possibly on the other side of the planet—with a different name, age, gender, or alternative professional and social details, the combination of which will form a virtual image entirely detached from reality." (source: link )

In addition, the freedom of choice and the possibility of creative self-expression play a significant role. People want the opportunity to adopt various images temporarily or permanently without being confined to a fixed appearance. This flexibility enables them to experiment, engage on different levels, and remain anonymous when circumstances or personal preference require it. As emphasized:

"The merit and alluring charm of this process lie in the limitless possibility for creative self-expression and self-construction, which does not demand substantial resource investment. The ease of complete transformation is enchantingly delightful. The opportunity to identify oneself (temporarily or permanently, whether interacting with the entire internet audience or with a particular segment of it) with a specific image provides the possibility of boundless self-expression and the realization of one's deepest fantasies." (source: link )

Thus, the reluctance to post real portraits on social networks may stem both from the desire to maintain individual freedom—avoiding the stereotypical perception of the true face—and from the desire to experiment with various images within the virtual realm. This choice allows individuals to remain the masters of their public identity and to control what information about themselves they are willing to reveal to the world.