Personal and professional digital identity in online spaces
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After watching the lecture and reading the relevant materials, I came to understand that there are significant differences between personal digital identity and professional digital identity. Personal identity refers to how we use social media to interact with friends, hobbies and personal life. While professional identity refers to our image in schools, workplaces or professional-related occasions.
Before studying this lesson, I didn’t give much thought to this distinction. I used social media in a rather casual way and never considered how others would perceive my posts. Now I understand that all online activities can affect how others view me in the future.
Social media platforms are part of my professional learning network (PLN). They help me acquire new knowledge, establish connections with others, and share ideas. However, I also need to be cautious about posting content, as my online behavior may be permanently recorded.
Privacy, ethics and security are of utmost importance in the digital space. I have learned that companies and platforms may collect user data. This means that we need to think twice before sharing personal information. The UBC Digital Tattoo Test helped me understand how much information is being tracked online.
The concept of “visitors and regular users” also helped me understand my own online behavior. Visitors only use the internet when necessary, while regular users are more active and more willing to share. I think I fall somewhere in between, but I need to be more cautious about managing my online footprint.
In terms of professional identity, I should respect others, be responsible, and be cautious when posting content. Employers and teachers may review my online profile, so maintaining a good image is of utmost importance.
In conclusion, I have come to understand that personal identity and professional identity are distinct, yet both are of great significance. I need to carefully manage my online image to safeguard my future development opportunities.
Resources Used
Canva – https://www.canva.com