One issue that is both a problem and draw of online communities such as MySpace is that of total control over one’s identity. All people have individual insecurities about themselves, and the digital medium of MySpace and the Internet gives them the chance to shed those doubts and self-criticism. By creating a profile on the computer, the member can decide how others will see and perceive them, which means they can play up their good points, and completely eliminate the parts that they don’t want others to see or know. They blur their real life personality and identity with what they secretly desire to be seen as or who they wish to be. For example, someone who in their normal day to day life feels that they are unattractive and unnoticed, can go on MySpace and create an eye-catching page and post pictures that are maybe Photoshopped or at an artistic angle to make themselves seem more appealing. Many people can become almost addicted to going on MySpace, because they feel more confident through this tweaked identity they have created than their true, real life selves, imperfections included. Problems with this situation arise when the definitions of reality and fantasy get blurred together and people get carried away. On one hand, it is natural to want to show yourself in a positive light, but on the other, it is not healthy to live vicariously thorough an online profile.
