Pretendimi

Pretendimi is a term used in digital culture to describe the practice of adopting imaginary identities and acting within them across online and immersive environments. It encompasses collaborative storytelling, role-playing in forums, video chats, and virtual reality spaces, and is often used to explore personal identity, social dynamics, and ethical questions. Practitioners emphasize consent, boundaries, and clearly defined backstories to maintain a respectful and coherent playing field.

Etymology and scope: Pretendimi is a coined neologism, blending the notion of pretending with a phonetic ending that evokes Italian-like cadence. It is not a standard or widely recognized word in formal dictionaries; rather, it has appeared in online discussions, zines, and project write-ups as a label for a certain style of imaginative play.

Origins and usage: The concept emerged within online role-playing and digital art communities in the early 2020s, with notable activity in VR-based platforms and cross-platform storytelling projects. Typical practices include character creation, world-building, backstory development, and continuity rules across sessions. The approach often foregrounds collaboration and consent, with explicit guidelines to protect participants’ boundaries and safety.

Reception and critique: Supporters view Pretendimi as a versatile creative tool that broadens imaginative literacy, empathy, and community building. Critics point to potential risks, such as blurred boundaries between fantasy and reality, possible misrepresentation, and privacy concerns, particularly when personas intersect with real-world identities or sensitive data.

See also: role-playing, performative identity, cosplay, fictional world-building.