Identity Construction and Deception: A Cybercultural Analysis of Oyler’s Fake Accounts

This paper explores how fake profiles and superficial identities are constructed in the digital world by focusing on Lauren Oyler’s novel Fake Accounts. This study gives insight into how people use the internet to build versions of themselves that may not match who they really are in real life. The purpose of this study is to understand how and why people present fake images online and what impact this has on their emotional well-being and relationships. Using Manuel Castells theory of Cyberculture, this article looks at how digital platforms like social media make it easy for people to hide their true selves and pretend to be someone else. Castells argues that the internet allows people to create superficial identities which can lead to dishonesty and confusion about what is real. In Fake Accounts, the protagonist becomes involved in a world where online lies and fake identities become part of everyday life. Her experiences show how creating fake personas online can affect emotions, trust and real-life connections. The narrative reflects how people today often struggle with truth and identity in a digital space where it’s easy to lie or exaggerate. By studying protagonists story, this article explains how the line between real and fake identities gets blurred. The findings highlight the emotional impact of online deception and raise important questions about trust and authenticity in today’s internet-driven world.