Recognizing your digital friends

Abstract

Interpersonal relationships are increasingly being managed over digital communication media in general, and by electronic social networks in particular. Thus, digital identity, conceived as a way in which to characterize and recognize people on the Internet, has taken center stage. However, this concept remains vague in many of its aspects, which complicates the definitions of the requirements or goals of digital, remote communication. This work aims to shed light on this topic by sketching a basic conceptual framework, including the terminology that captures the essence of digital identity, to analyze those issues of concern to Internet users regarding recognizing their communication partners, and to propose possible solutions.