Self-presentation

The process by which individuals control how they are perceived by others, selecting which aspects of their identity to reveal, emphasise, or conceal in different social contexts. For people with invisible disabilities, self-presentation involves ongoing decisions about whether and how to disclose their condition. In digital and virtual environments, self-presentation is mediated through profiles, avatars, and communication choices, giving users new affordances for managing disability identity — including the ability to dynamically adjust what others see based on context, trust level, and personal comfort.