Month: January 2024

What does my digital Identity look like?

Social media has a significant impact on how we interact with one another, and it is shaping how we present ourselves to others. Every click, comment, and post we make impacts how people see us, as it reflects our digital identity. Digital identity is the online presence we create from all our activity and interactions in online social spaces such as social media platforms. How we portray ourselves through our digital identity is how others perceive us, so we must be careful and aware of how much information we share about ourselves and our opinions on media applications. Anything we say or do that is posted on these platforms can come back to us in the future.

Currently, I do not have a professional online presence, such as a LinkedIn account or any other platform used for professional purposes. However, I plan to work on creating a professional presence in the upcoming years, as it is essential to portray myself in a certain way to build a professional reputation. Tools such as LinkedIn can help me showcase my skills, experience, and achievements, allowing potential employers or collaborators to see a resume of what I have accomplished.

At the moment, my primary forms of social media are for personal purposes. I use applications like Instagram and Snapchat, but I keep my accounts private and only allow those I know or know of to follow me, restricting access to potential future employers. This is important because it allows me to express myself, but if I choose to later on, I can delete this content and know it will not affect my professional life. In these times, it is challenging to do this, so I am careful about the content I post.

Regarding my digital footprint, I choose not to leave hateful comments or reviews anywhere, as these can come back to me in the future. By doing so, I can create a cohesive and positive digital identity that is authentic and reflects who I am with a professional approach.

• What does it mean to network using social media?

Networking on social media involves connecting and interacting with others on various platforms to build professional or personal relationships. Users can connect through messages and engage with people’s content. Connecting and following people in your field not only expands your outlook but also creates chances to meet new individuals within your industry of interest. Social media is a vital tool for communicating with others and contributing to the growth of your social or professional circles. It is a way of using online platforms to connect, talk, and collaborate with others for personal relationships, professional development, or business opportunities.

• How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

There are many reasons why individuals choose to participate in networked publics. It can be used for professional networking, as it allows them to have a space to connect with others in their field, seek new job opportunities or connect with possible clients. Public networking can also be used as a form of self-expression; social media allows people to use a platform to express themselves through their creativity. Networking publicly also provides many a platform to connect with friends and family. 

• What are the risks & rewards of public communications?

Communicating in public, particularly in online or networked settings, has both risks and rewards. When using public platforms, you risk privacy concerns, as some may share personal information on these platforms. We also must keep our digital footprints in mind, as this may impact our future. Some of the rewards are obviously networking and building relationships. We also have the ability to share and learn from others, especially those in our field of interest.