Identity management infrastructures Online identity

given malleability of online identities, economists have expressed surprise flourishing trading sites (such ebay) have developed on internet. when 2 pseudonymous identities propose enter online transaction, faced prisoner s dilemma: deal can succeed if parties willing trust each other, have no rational basis doing so. successful internet trading sites have developed reputation management systems, such ebay s feedback system, record transactions , provide technical means users can rate each other s trustworthiness. however, users malicious intent can still cause serious problems on such websites.

an online reputation perception 1 generates on internet based on digital footprint. digital footprints accumulate through of content shared, feedback provided , information created online. due fact if has bad online reputation, can change pseudonym, new accounts on sites such ebay or amazon distrusted. if individual or company wants manage online reputation, face many more difficulties. why merchant on web having brick , mortar shop more trusted.

relation real-world social constraints

ultimately, online identity cannot free social constraints imposed in real world. westfall (2000, p. 160) discusses, idea of departing social hierarchy , restriction not occur on internet (as perhaps suggested earlier research possibilities presented internet) identity construction still shaped others. westfall raises important, yet discussed, issue of effects of literacy , communication skills of online user. indeed, these skills or lack thereof have capacity shape 1 s online perception shape 1 s perception through physical body in real world.