Month: September 2022

A digital identity is how you present yourself to others online, both in a controlled and uncontrolled manner. When thinking of digital identity, one’s online presence on platforms such as Instagram or Twitter allows you to share information how you want people to receive it. For example, sharing a post or tweet or even commenting on a forum. This form of digital identification is a controlled setting, as the user ultimately has control of what they put online. The more dangerous sector of one’s digital identity is everything a user does not have control of online. What happens when you have had too many drinks and do something stupid in a video that is then shared on someone’s social network, resulting in backlash or even regret? Although the user did not directly share this online, it could negatively affect and damage their digital identity. 

Social and Professional Digital Identities

Knowing the difference between one’s personal digital identity and professional digital identity is very important. Often users have different private networks for different crowds. Users’ private, online networks tend to showcase themselves in a more human and relaxed setting. For example, they share a picture of them at a bar or concert with their friends or comment on others’ networks with informal jargon or slang. 

Professional pages often are very polished representations of individuals sharing little to no information about themselves outside the workplace. As individuals’ professional digital identities are often intertwined and affiliated with their employers, many businesses have stringent policies and expectations regarding how their employees display their digital identities and interact online.

Understanding what to share and where to share can significantly help protect individuals’ personal identities.

My Digital Identity

Born in 2002, I created my digital identity in grade five, when I made my first Instagram page in 2014. Fast forward to 2022, I still have the same page, along with many other social and professional networks and accounts. Thankfully, as I began posting and sharing content on my pages, my parents informed me how important it is to be careful of what you post online. They reminded me how I should not say anything online that I would not say to someone’s face in person. This is a great principle I have established, and I often remind others of its importance. Other than a few cringy and funny videos that a more creative and much younger version of myself posted, every day, I make sure to remind myself how important it is to know what to and what not to post online and to my public networks.

What does it mean to network using social media? 

Networking using social media is an ever-changing concept and form of building networks. Platforms such as LinkedIn provide explicit techniques and software to establish and maintain connections socially and professionally. Social media platforms such as Instagram are also networking platforms to their core, just in a more informal and social setting. Both platforms’ foundations are built on users sharing content, which disguises networking to be more fun and engaging to users. Whether it is clearly stated, such as the LinkedIn “Connections” page, or if it is whom you follow on Instagram, social media platforms would not exist if users weren’t actively engaging with their networks and communities online. 

 How are we motivated to participate in networked publics? 

We are motivated to participate in public networks to feel included with our friends, colleagues, and others. Businesses and individuals have transitioned their entire networks and communities online to maximize outreach and growth. Many users now go to public networks to gain information on sports, politics, and finance. With an immense amount of data and information easily accessible to us, we can now teach and learn on networks, and gain useful skills to help us in our daily lives.

 What are the risks & rewards of public communications? 

Public communications and social media are full of risks and rewards. Firstly, online public communities have allowed users to reach new people, audiences, and groups like never before. Platforms enable individuals to create new friends, opportunities and even monetize their platforms to build brands. The outreach social media permits are unlike anything humanity has ever been before. The risks and downsides, however, can weigh heavily on the user’s mental and personal health. FOMO and self-consciousness become highly exaggerated in online users’ lives. Individuals constantly compare themselves to unrealistic standards and expectations other users set on the app regarding personal image and lifestyle. Continued FOMO and self-consciousness can lead to more severe effects in the user’s life, such as depression.

Aswell, individuals with large followings in public communications, such as celebrities, have a fine line when engaging with their online communities. Phenomenons such as “cancelling” can ruin individuals’ careers and lives, so users must understand how platforms and communities will respond to their online presence and voices.

Hi, my name is Fritz Petersen. If you are reading this, welcome to my new website where I will post blogs and content about my learning process in EDCI 338.

First, let me fill you in on my background. I am a second-year student here at UVic, studying Business Commerce at the Gustavson School of Business. I was born and raised in Vancouver, and now spend my summers there in between the school years.

I have a great passion for sport and exercise and can be seen on campus competing in both intramural soccer and ice hockey. I also love to ski, mountain bike, and play golf. One of my favourite things about UVic is how active the students and faculty are, and how everyone promotes such a healthy way of life.

Having moved on from my rookie first-year status to my current second-year standing, I look forward to what this semester and year have to offer!