By Staff Contributor

A digital identity is like your second persona without the risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia.  Some people call it their avatar.  Some gamers prefer to call it their character.  You can use a digital identity for various reasons.  You can create a virtual relationship with other patrons of this virtual world.  You can try experiments like creating a bizarre digital culture.  Or you might use it as a representation of you in a game where superhuman capabilities are possible.  Others prefer to use it as pets or some sort of means to preoccupy themselves, like Sims.

If you are interested in making your own digital identity, you can follow these steps.  (For offline programs: exclude steps 1 to 3)

  1. Register or sign in on any website that you are interested in.  The first step in creating a virtual identity is to submit some of your real identity.  Most websites would require you to give your email address and some other personal data.  This is important, and the reason behind it will be discussed later.  By registering with the website, you will have an account that you and you alone can use, because when you register, you will make your own password.  This step will submit you to a digital certification system that the web makers require.
  2. Open the email account that you have submitted when you registered for the website.  This step is usually the result of a prompt after you have finished the first step.  The reason why these websites require your email is because you will have to click a digital authentication, which contains a digital encryption that will ensure them that you are a real person.  Another prompt will be given after the digital verification, which will indicate when you can start using your account.
  3. Download the program. Most of these virtual worlds exist in a program that needs to be downloaded, either for free or paid for.  You will need to download the program to the computer before you can launch it.  You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to install it by the website.  Once you have successfully launched their program, you will be required to enter your email or username, then your password to begin the program.
  4. Once the program is running, you will be presented with graphics regarding the game.  This is their way of introducing the program to you.  Wait for it to finish, then options will be presented to you.  It will most likely say, “create” or “new” amongst other options.  Click either of the two.
  5. By this time, you could be looking at a basic human figure that is half-nude or nude.  You will have to make a name for your digital identity, preferably a fantasy name or something remotely related to your real name.  After that, you will be allowed to choose from skin tone, body physique, gender, eye color, outfit, etc.
  6. After you are done, you are ready to enter the virtual world.  The context of a virtual world might not necessarily mean the same as that of a game world.  Other applications are used in chatting websites or dating websites.  Others, in offline games, will serve as pets that will be subjected to different problems that you can solve in accordance to your preference.

There is a very complex technology behind a digital identity, but creating one is not that tough.  What it requires is a bit of creativity and some computer knowledge.  Try creating one now and enjoy!