Introduction
The term virtual self is a relatively new concept but one that is being normalized very quickly. The term virtual is used in the computer sense of not physically existing but rather existing as a simulated computer digital image. Until 2019, the virtual self was evolving on iphones, computers or in the home on a gradual basis or on a client demand basis. Covid-19 (Dec 2019), a global Pandemic literally changed that and the course of our lives. It changed how we lived, worked, socialized, existed and connected globally. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted and re positioned the workplace/ school/communities with unprecedented speed. In early April 2020 in the span of two to three weeks, organisations across every sector sent millions of employees/students home to work or to school remotely. Without warning and in many cases, without preparation of any kind governments, workplaces, schools, were forced into the position of connecting, communicating and leading virtually, many for the first time.
Virtual technology is evolving at a rapid speed due to unforeseen demand in our lifestyle. We need to question ourselves are we prepared for this virtual transformation? Are there sufficient government laws to protect us personally and digitally? We need to ask who we are now and how we, as humans are adapting to this virtual world. Most people today have a persona, virtual self whether it is personal iphone or a computer which links virtual self to workplaces, schools, shops and other people. It is about adapting, learning, evolving, connecting and staying safe on an on-line world.
Virtual Self
A virtual self is a computer based replica of a person’s self which is the form, platform or profile used to explore the virtual world independently. How we communicate with others and how we access the World Wide Web. Each virtual user has their own unique personal virtual identity used to connect with facebook, zoom or any other digital connection or platform. A user can participate in activities by voice, text, two or three-dimensional graphical representations, real time videos with auditory and touch sensations. Virtual worlds can allow single users, multiple users and may be described as a digital platform with artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an advanced technology, made possible by the Internet that influences our everyday lives. Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to an artificial creation of human-like intelligence that can work and react like humans. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can reason, recognise, or process everyday language. These elements allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) to embrace social, behaviour, economic and communication changes, and create opportunities and challenges globally.
A virtual self has access to a computer simulated world which involves social, relational stimuli while connecting to other virtual populace. Virtual self represents the intended, devised on-line presence pre-planned or prepared by the end user. The virtual user is in control of his/her on-line profile and can manipulate it how he/she wants to appear and interact in the virtual world. This may be positive or negative, honest or dishonest. Virtual users need to be aware of their online presence. They must understand the virtual other they may meet has the capacity to be a true representation of themselves or an unreal version of themselves. A virtual ego can interact with others and create entities as part of that interaction. You create your virtual self in the virtual world which can take on any profile, persona, form or character as you wish. There are a range of virtual worlds you can interact with e.g. facebook, twitter or more real time interaction like skpe or zoom. Virtual worlds can range from educational, workplaces, sport, science fiction to local community interactions. Virtual worlds are not just game play but are real life virtual classrooms, conferences and chatrooms.
There are many dangers associated with on line safety and security for adults but the challenges are especially dangerous for children. Online users must familiarize themselves with online dangers and take steps to self-educate and eliminate these dangers. They need to learn how to transform their online naivety and lack of experience to interact safely and promote online safe communication.
Safety Online
How to stay safe online.
How to stay positive online.
Realize the educational benefits.
How do you promote online safe communication?
What is cyberbullying?
What is Cybercrime? Cybervice
What is the impact of cyberbullying?
How do you respond to cyberbullying?
How to not engage or respond to negative online experience!
Develop an awareness of online Risks to personal safety and well-being.
Security Online
Have you installed a high detection/ protection software?
Have you outlined the on-line dangers with the online users in your home /school/workplace/social?
Have you taken steps to highlight the dangers of naivety, lack of experience and online dangers?
Have you secured your computer from hackers, scammers and identity thieves?
How to you protect your personal details and online presence?
Do you know the danger/risk of file-sharing or group video communication, audio conferencing and webinars across mobiles, desktop and room systems?
How are you transforming your personal self to your virtual self?
Development and Implementation of Global Safety and Security Laws
The most crime proof form of security all rely on encryption. This is the process of encoding information in such a way that only the person (or computer) with the key can decode it. Other forms of security are public-key and symmetric-key systems, as well as hash algorithms. (How Encryption Works - Jeff Tyson)
Global leaders must collaborate with Giant Techs and implement a strategy with guidelines to provide detection, protection, prevention, engagement, laws, ethics, and compliance for online users. Implement global laws that protect personal identities, virtual identities and digital rights. Guidelines that highlight the importance of understanding the significance of virtual safety and how it relates and can affect personal safety and wellbeing. Introduce global virtual safety-security-privacy programs for every virtual user.
Virtual technology is evolving at a rapid speed and is radically changing our everyday lifestyles, in emergency Covid-19. Virtual transition calls for a safe experience and a proud legacy for all human users transition to virtual users in the 21st Century