The Two Sides of My Digital Self
When reflecting on my digital identity, there are different sides to it. I am impulsive on Instagram and carefree in my group chats; I am strategic on LinkedIn and considerate in my online forums. However, as this video demonstrated, our online footprint, also known as our digital identity, is much more than what we intentionally post. It is our data, locations, tagged pictures, and comments in all online platforms.
I chose this video because it enlightened me on how impossible it is to have personal and professional digital identities. A comment I made on Facebook years ago was in my Google search results next to my online portfolio.
Mapping Visitor and Resident Continuum
White and Le Cornu’s (2011) Visitors and Residents’ continuum allowed me to understand my online activities better. There is no binary of being a digital native or not. White and Le Cornu instead focus on context, motivation, and engagement in V&R and argue that all individuals exist on the continuum. For example, I am more of a Visitor when I search for something on Google or check my bank. There is no trace, and I am single-task-focused. However, I am a Resident on LinkedIn; it is where I maintain my professional relationships and slowly but surely building my presence.
David White’s video shows the V&R mapping of online identities we did in class. Creating my V&R map gave me insights into the amount of Resident activity I participate in, including YouTube, which has become a digital identity on its own with the watch history and subscriptions.
The Tension Between Authenticity and Professionalism
The primary challenge I face with digital identity management is the juggling act of authenticity and professional reputation. For example, last month, I found myself hesitating to share my views on a social issue because my social media platforms are visible to recruiters. I have learned and implemented strategies, though, such as keeping Instagram private, LinkedIn professional, and Twitter somewhere in the middle.
Watch: What Your Digital Footprint Says About You
Nicola Osborne’s TedX presentation talks about the long-term existence of digital footprints, which is why I Google myself often and think carefully before I hit post. She reiterates the important point that we need to be “conscious creators” of what is said about us.
Conclusion: An Ongoing Journey
It was important to me to take part in this reflection because I realized that digital identity needed continuous and persistent work to be intentional. I found White and Le Cornu’s framework as well as digital footprint theory informative, and it helped me to see both the stark difference in my digital engagement level on various platforms, and the impact of all online actions, present and future. As I continue to think about my digital footprint, I will be more mindful to perform digital audits on a quarterly basis, to be more proactive in creating professional content, and to ensure my presence is more intentional and considered in my digital interactions. I am not seeking to be perfect, but rather to be purposeful and authentic.
References: White, D. S., & Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday, 16(9).