Whether smartphones, social media, professional applications, or gaming: IT is no longer just a means to an end but has become an integral part of our lives. In many cases, IT not only influences what we do, but also who we are — our identity (or identities). This talk explores how IT shapes our identities, both consciously and unconsciously, and what consequences this may have.

This includes, for example, role identities (e.g., gamer, influencer, IT professional), social identities (e.g., belonging to communities or fandoms), as well as identification with IT use itself — for instance, when we identify so strongly with a platform or device that it feels like part of ourselves.

Through discussions with the audience and examples from our own research — including work on the popular video game *Battlefield* — we aim to demonstrate how IT influences our self-concept and identities, and how this, in turn, affects behavior. For example, we examine how switching behavior between games relates to identification with them. However, this talk is not limited to video game enthusiasts; we also discuss what we can learn about IT use in other domains.

Additionally, we analyze how people respond to a video game shutdown and what happens when IT suddenly disappears from people’s lives against their will. We explore questions such as: What do people experience in these situations? What strategies do they develop to cope with such identity disruptions? And what does this reveal about our relationship with IT?

The talk combines theoretical approaches from Information Systems research with tangible examples from the world of video games and invites participants to reflect. The goal is to raise awareness — also beyond the context of video games — that IT not only provides tools but also influences how people understand themselves, which may, in turn, shape their behavior. Together, we aim to reflect on the role IT plays in our lives, what dependencies may arise, and how we can engage with IT responsibly — as users, developers, or simply as members of an increasingly digital society.

In addition to the presentation, we will actively involve the audience, drawing on examples and experiences from everyday life to explore the interplay between IT and identity. The talk is aimed at anyone who uses IT, wants to better understand their technology use, or is interested in identity research. No prior knowledge is required. We aim to combine theoretical concepts and practical examples to provide insights into our research as well as practical takeaways.