Final Answer:
Social media users reveal their actual identities and traits b) The Virtual Persona Principle.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Virtual Persona Principle asserts that social media users tend to reveal a curated version of themselves rather than their actual identities and traits.
It suggests that individuals often present a constructed persona online that may differ from their true selves.
This phenomenon is driven by various factors such as privacy concerns, social expectations, and the desire to create a positive or idealized image in the online realm.
In the context of social media, users often engage in selective self-presentation, showcasing specific aspects of their lives while concealing others.
This behavior aligns with the Virtual Persona Principle, emphasizing the creation of a digital identity that may not fully represent one's authentic self.
Unlike the notion of authentic identity, which implies transparency and genuineness, the Virtual Persona Principle acknowledges the performative nature of online self-expression.
To understand the dynamics of social media interactions, it's essential to recognize that users navigate a virtual space where identity construction is influenced by various factors.
The Virtual Persona Principle sheds light on the discrepancy between the online persona and the actual identity of social media users, highlighting the complex nature of self-presentation in the digital age.
In conclusion, the correct answer is b) The Virtual Persona Principle.