Abstract

The rise of virtual communities has transformed how individuals construct negotiate and express their identities in digital spaces. With online interactions becoming an integral part of everyday life identity formation in virtual environments presents unique challenges and opportunities particularly when examined across different generational cohorts. This study explores how emerging discourses of identity vary among digital natives (Millennials and Gen Z) and digital immigrants (Gen X and Baby Boomers) within virtual communities. Using a comparative analysis based on qualitative interviews digital ethnography and a review of existing literature this research highlights generational differences in self-representation anonymity authenticity and the impact of virtual interactions on real-world identities. The findings indicate that younger generations exhibit fluid and experimental identity performances in digital spaces while older generations often navigate virtual communities with a g