Digital identity is our digital footprint; depending on what we share, the results of your digital identity would have different impacts. It could be a great platform to attract; for example, new employers if you are being mindful about what you share; Â you may land with a great job offer. On the other hand, you may sometimes face bad consequences if you made the choice of sharing content that you are not necessarily proud of.
As Spracklen states in his article, “the net is a positive space for constructing and maintaining social net[1]works, identity and belonging”; I also believe that social media can help some individuals in feeling a sense of belonging; especially for individuals who find it difficult to communicate in person (Spackle; p. 112).
Personal linking network (PLN) helps to keep individuals and society connected. It gives us the flexibility; we can stay connected at different times, location and in the way that we wish to be connected; we can decide how much information we would like to share. With the increasing economic and social changes, it has become even more important for us to develop our network skills and digital literacies. However we have to be cautious as Boyd states in his article “Our data—and with it, our privacy—is increasingly networked.” We should be careful what data and how we are sharing our data. (Boyd, p.1)
I use social media predominantly for professional purposes. I find that it can sometimes be helpful as I learn new strategies to assist me in my workplace. I always check the sources for their reliability and relevancy. On the other hand, I also have the opportunity to share certain topics or strategies that I have found helpful to other members of my Personal linking network. I believe it is a great way as it allows us to be life long learners who can share their passion. I always make sure that I respect the privacy of others and I take great care to review any information before posting them.
Spracklen K. “Identity-Making and Social Media.” Digital Leisure, the Internet and Popular Culture, 2015, https://link-springer-com.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/content/pdf/10.1057/9781137405876_6.pdf. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.
I like how your blog post highlights the significance of digital identity and the potential impacts of our online presence. It acknowledges that our digital footprint can have varying and lasting effects depending on the content we share. If we are mindful of what we share, it can be a powerful tool for attracting positive attention, such as potential employers. Conversely, sharing content that we are not proud of can lead to negative consequences that can last a very long time. I think it is very important to recognize the potential benefits and drawbacks of digital identity and social media use. I like how you acknowledge the importance of being cautious about the information we share on the Internet, but also highlight the positive aspects of online connectivity, such as sharing knowledge and passion within a Personal Linking Network.
Great post!