Self-Representation

The way individuals choose to present themselves in digital or virtual environments, particularly through customizable avatars. For people with disabilities, self-representation involves decisions about whether and how to disclose disability status in spaces where appearance is controllable, unlike physical settings where some disabilities are immediately visible. Self-representation in virtual environments intersects with disability identity, as users must navigate the tension between authentic expression and the risk of stigma or harassment that may accompany visible disability markers.