What is digital identity? In simple terms, digital identity is whatever you do online– your posts, videos, photos, blogs, etc; it is “your footprint on the web”. This video provided in class explains digital identity well:

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

Professional and personal areas in someone’s life used to be easy to separate, but in this day and age, it is not. Nowadays individuals must be careful with what they post and where they post it, specifically on social media. A private message may seem like it is being sent from your personal account, but you mistakingly have your professional account open, or you may think that no one will see a private photo, but it is now in the web’s ‘hands’. The approach to social media from a personal standpoint should be: anything you post on your personal account you should be comfortable if someone from your professional account happens to see.

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

The way that one may use their personal social media account may converge with their professional account in networked publics. On one hand, this can be beneficial as employers may get to see specific traits they are looking for in a job, whereas on another hand, employers may see something they dislike very much and fire you or not hire you. Personal digital identities in networked publics can have an economic impact.

Another video that was shown in class speaks on The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society

I appreciated when it was spoken of the importance of digital identities for people “On The Move”, because I have a chronic condition, and whenever I travel somewhere it is always terrifying to think my life is on only a piece of paper.

Community Contribution:

I appreciated the connection my colleague made regarding our digital identity and PLN.

Blog Post #2: Digital Identity