Leah MacDonald

EDCI338

Month: September 2020

WHAT DOES MY DIGITAL IDENTITY LOOK LIKE?

September 27, 2020 / / 3 Comments

September 20th – 26th

What is a digital identity?

 A digital identity is essentially one’s presence online as defined by Eric Stoller (2016). Someone’s digital identity is your footprint on the web, it is everything that you do on the web. It represents you, your actions, how you engage, how you treat others, and how you use digital tools. The digital footprint can provide a look into somebody’s life, you could infer a lot about somebody by looking at it. Your digital footprint is important to consider as it can be used as a “Pre-Interview” by organizations to see if you would be a good fit with the culture. It is important to manage your digital identity for this reason – amongst many other reasons.

How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity affect social media use?

I feel that personal versus professional approaches to digital identity can influence how social media is used. The intent of use for social media platforms may be different depending on the context, and the platform. In some cases, one may create a social media platform that is exclusively for personal use. When using this platform, their digital identity would likely be quite different when compared to a platform created specifically for professional purposes. When creating a social media account with a professional intent, it is important to establish a good Digital Professional Identity (DPI). A DPI is defined as “professional identity that develops through internet‑based social interactions by utilizing online platforms and communication tools,” (Jawed et al., 2019). The professional identity will likely be much more conducive to a business environment, and will likely contain only posts/information that is relevant to one’s work/education. A personal approach to digital identity will be catered more towards a person’s interests outside of the professional setting, such as extracurriculars, hobbies, and passions. It could involve sharing one’s daily life, whereas a professional approach involves more of a professional presence.

How do digital identities converge in networked publics – what are the impacts and/or benefits?

A networked public is essentially the space that is created using networked technologies and the communities that are built using these technologies. In networked publics, personal and professional approaches to digital identity tend to converge. Social media is being used more frequently and is more influential than ever before. Because of this, it is challenging to separate one’s personal digital identity from their professional digital identity. It is important to recognize and address this as it can have negative effects. As described above, somebody’s digital footprint can be used as a “Pre-Interview,” for employers. Should inappropriate images be shared or negative/offensive wording be used, it may adversely affect whether you are selected for an interview. The benefit of converging digital identities is that it enables people who know you in a professional setting to feel that they have a personal connection to you. This could make you seem more trustworthy and benefit your professional practice. It is important to address that there should be healthy boundaries and a distinction between professional contacts and personal relationships when considering digital identity. Privacy may be impacted through someone’s digital identity, it is important to ensure safety is optimized (Davos, 2019).

 

References

Mahboob, U., Jawed, S., & Yasmeen, R. (2019). Digital professional identity: Dear internet! Who am I? Education for Health, 32(1), 33. doi:10.4103/efh.efh_232_17

Spracklen, K. (2015). Identity-making and social media. Digital Leisure, the Internet and Popular Culture, 94-112. doi:10.1057/9781137405876_6

University of Derby. (2016). Eric Stoller – What is digital identity? [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0RryRbJza0&feature=youtu.be 

World Economic Forum. (2019, February 5). Davos 2019 – Press conference the value of digital identity for the global economy and society [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=326&v=1-V7lyxrOmw&feature=emb_logo

PLN & PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS

September 17, 2020 / / 1 Comment

September 14th – 19th

What does it mean to network using social media?

Networking is essentially the act of human connection. It involves relating to others and making connections with people around you. Networking using social media is making a connection with somebody through the use of an online platform that facilitates this interaction (Rajagopal et al., 2012). Networking using social media is done when gathering, communicating, creating, and sharing information with a group of people using a social media platform. Examples of platforms that support this are LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter (Gutierrez, 2016). When networking using social media, it may mean adding “connections” on LinkedIn. These connections are people that someone has worked with, attended school with, or knows through others. Their information is shared, and people can react to their posts, message with them to create a connection or maintain one, and view information that they are sharing with their network (FutureLearn, n.d.).

How do people learn & engage using mediated platforms?

People learn and engage using mediated platforms in a variety of ways through connection. The use of mediated platforms has had an effect on how we communicate, study, and work together. Mediated platforms allow people to learn and engage through video sharing, gaming networks, forums, and online communities (FutureLearn, n.d.). Mediated platforms provide learning and engagement by creating an environment where people, information, devices, and services are connected (FutureLearn, n.d.). Learning is done using these platforms. The user learns what it is they want to learn more about and is able to customize the platform to focus on those specific areas (Rajagopal et al., 2012). People engage with the mediated platforms by using the vast resources that people provide on these sites. Social networking platforms give learners the ability to enhance communication, remain in touch with people, and find information on people using search functions (Gutierrez, 2016).

How are we motivated to participate in networked publics?

People are motivated to participate in networked publics because it enables connection between people, devices, information, and services. The networked publics are able to be customized to learn in times, at locations, and through methods that the user controls (FutureLearn, n.d.). We are motivated to participate in networked publics as they support the development and growth of individuals. Motivation arises from the ability to seek support, information, and resources when they are needed (Rajagopal et al., 2012). One of the key reasons to participate in networked publics is because they provide the ability to facilitate conversation between people. This is beneficial to individuals as well as from an organizational perspective because it is an enabler of knowledge creation.

What are the risks & rewards of public communications?

One of the risks that is potentially the most important to recognize is privacy and consent. The control of the information that is used on public communications is often not held in the user’s hands (Boyd, 2012). Often times, users do not know what it is they are consenting to because of the long, jargon filled “Terms and Conditions” that they confirm they have read and understood. Often times this is not the case, people skim over without critically thinking about what personal information may be shared and how it impacts them (Boyd, 2012). The advancements in technology has created a world that is pattern oriented, the systems being used are designed to be highly addictive. The information that is seen is designed to target a specific demographic in such a way that it resonates with them due to the parallels they see in their own lives (Boyd, 2012). Based on observation, people often feel that they are in control of what they are seeing, although in reality, it is the platform being used that controls the algorithm and therefore the information.
Potentially the most prominent reward of public communications is that people and organizations are able to effectively connect with each other. The ability to stay up to date on important information is rewarding. Public communications provide a stream of learning, resources, and methods of thinking about topics that are of importance (Rajagopal et al., 2012). One is able to start conversations with others to expand their thinking through active discussion and acquire expert advice through the sharing of information.

 

References

Boyd, D. (2012). Networked Privacy. Surveillance & Society 10(3/4): 348-350. http://www.surveillance-and-society.org ISSN: 1477-7487

FutureLearn. (n.d.). What is a Personal Learning Network (PLN)? Retrieved September 14, 2020, from https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/0/steps/24644

Gutierrez, K. (2016). What are Personal Learning Networks? Retrieved September 22, 2020, from https://www.shiftelearning.com/blog/personal-learning-networks

Rajagopal, K, Joosten–ten Brinke, D, Van Bruggen, J, and Sloep, P. (2012) Understanding personal learning networks: Their structure, content and the networking skills needed to optimally use them,  First Monday, Volume 17, https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/download/3559/3131

Introduction

September 17, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Hi there, my name is Leah! I grew up in Calgary, Alberta. My first language is English, unfortunately I have yet to learn a second, although I hope to when I begin to travel post COVID-19. Currently I am living in Victoria for the fall term, feeling very fortunate to call such a beautiful place my second home.

I am entering my 4th year in Health Information Sciences, I will be graduating from the program in August 2021. My favourite academic subjects include sciences, math, and art. Some of my hobbies include enjoying outdoors with friends and family, and taking film photos using my point-and-shoot camera from Value Village.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me!

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