The term “Digital Footprint” is not something I am unfamiliar with. Growing up in the age of fast-developing technology, adults introduced the idea of a digital identity early into my elementary school education. We had assemblies dedicated to our online presence, explaining that how you present yourself online is out there for everyone to see, and that it can either be beneficial or detrimental depending on the content.
I specifically remember seeing posters in our computer lab with slogans like ‘Would You Send That To Grandma?’, in hopes of deterring kids from conducting themselves inappropriately online. Although I have posted some things that may be embarrassing, it isn’t anything I’m not able to laugh at myself. I believe learning about your digital footprint early on is really important to ensure you don’t tarnish your online presence before learning about the risks.
Since graduating high school, I’ve started taking more precautions on the internet, especially considering the advancement of AI. In the past, I’ve had bots create fake social media accounts using my pictures, which made me feel extremely uncomfortable. Because of this, I’ve since switched the majority of my social media accounts to private, so that my information is not as accessible to the general public.
In doing so, I feel a much bigger sense of security knowing exactly who my audience is. Now, if I ever wanted to make a professional account, it would differ greatly from my personal one. On my private account I’m able to post about my day or food, but a professional account might showcase my art or writing and would be a means to network with other individuals in my field.
Personally, I prefer to keep my private and work life completely separate, but I understand how the two might complement each other. When thinking about jobs, employers might want to try and get to know you before interviews, etc… and having a clean digital identity while still showcasing your personality proves that you are a pleasant person to be around and helps to paint a fuller picture of what kind of person you are outside your professional interests.
Melding your professional and personal online identities could also help connect you with people you already knew. For example, after graduating, adding your LinkedIn in your biography might earn you a new contact in your field that could have been an old peer now working in your industry.
Getting your name out there is very important, especially in my chosen career path, so it may not be a bad idea to start introducing a professional atmosphere to my online presence. Creating a social media account or two across some different platforms to showcase my professional interests and skills is on my list to do before graduation.
Hello Rose,
It’s really interesting to me that how you remember your early instructions on digital identification and remembered the advice meant to promote responsible activity on the internet. Your experience with bots creating fake accounts underline the importance of privacy settings, highlighting how making your social media accounts private has improved your sense of security. The difference you show between private and professional online identities is important, especially in today’s modern world where employers often seek to know employees before interviews through their digital profile. Your plan to create professional social media accounts to showcase your work and network within your field is a bold step. It reflects a balanced approach to leveraging the benefits of digital exposure while maintaining personal boundaries. Overall, its a great blog, you also used images to make it more interactive. Great work.
Hi Rose,
I really like how you shared about how you chose to change your privacy settings after becoming more educated on the importance of protecting yourself online. If you could go back, are there other things you would do differently to protect your digital identity sooner? I also like how you choose to keep your professional and personal digital identities completely separate. Depending on your profession/career path, this can be very beneficial. Is this every a struggle for you, or is it something that comes naturally?