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.beÂ
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
This is an impressive blog post Leah! I totally agree with the idea that personal and professional approaches can influence how social media is used. In addition to what you have already mentioned, some social media accounts are created for a specific purpose. For instance, when one decides to start a business and promote it online, instead of using his/her existing personal social media account, he/she will feel the need to create a new and separate social media account for the sole purpose of promoting his/her account. I believe that more than creating a Digital Professional Identity (PDI), business social media accounts are created for the users to properly organize their business matters.
Hi Leah,
I love that you touched on your digital identity being a “pre-interview” by potential employers – so true! I also definitely agree with you that our identity almost changes depending on what kind of platform we’re using. I think our language becomes much more casual on our personal platforms than on professional ones.
I really enjoyed your blog this week! You displayed lots of great insights.
Erica
Hi Leah,
thank you for sharing. Changes in the digital age are changing rapidly. The optimization of security is a big variable for the next digital age, and optimization is very important.
Mike