Category: edci338 (Page 1 of 2)

If someone had asked me what a PLN was prior to this course, I would have had a vague answer for them. Having the opportunity to learn the importance of a personalized learning network and how to apply social media to support my learning journey has been extremely beneficial for my professional development. Understanding the risks and rewards of public communications has also made me more confident to expand my PLN and engage with others in a safe and productive manner.

So, how is my PLN going?

My PLN has expanded considerably since the beginning of term. I have created myself a professional Twitter account, which I am engaging with daily. I am still in the early ‘apprehensive’ stages of jumping into discourse with other educators but I am learning a lot from observing their interactions and following more and more diverse voices everyday. I have also started creating a LinkedIn account to strengthen my professional relationships and connect with potential employers in the future. Continuing to use platforms such as Slack, Matter Most, and Discord will also ensure that I remain connected with the colleagues I have had the opportunity to learn with and from throughout the years.

Has my perspective of social media in personal vs. private settings changed?

Not really. I have never been a huge social media user, whether personal or professional. The biggest change that has occurred for me is my confidence with technology and reflecting who I am, on diverse platforms. I previously used pseudonyms when engaging online but have recently started attaching my name to my accounts so I can be recognized as I engage professionally. Learning new skills has helped me to determine my needs as well as relevant professional goals and I now know how to achieve them through connected networks and my PLN.

Moving forward

Lifelong learning requires effort. As I move forward with curating my PLN I want to remain mindful of the active involvement that is necessary to really benefit from learning networks. I also aim to reflect on the connections I am making to ensure that I am aligning my values with my practice as I interact online.

Big Thanks!

Thanks to all of my colleagues in this course, and to Jesse Miller, for helping me to confidently engage online, learn new skills, and develop an understanding of what a PLN is and how to advance my professional career with the meaningful connections I make online. Cheers!

My colleagues blog:

Yuxin, it sounds like we had many of the same take-aways from this course and curating our PLN’s moving forward. I agree with you that privacy on the internet is often overlooked and ignored by users. Like you, I am glad to know more about data privacy and security so that I can move about digital networks with confidence. Thanks for your insights and have a great holiday!

Blog # 11

As we have learned throughout this course, professional learning networks are associated with effective professional development. A successful PLN will aid in collaboration, communication, and professional opportunities. Van Dijk (2006) describes this interactivity of digital media as a shift in the balance of power – with the user in control of their learning. Since we are in control of our own learning, how can we best move our PLN’s  forward to engage in future relationships and career opportunities on a larger scale? And what does that look like?

To help me answer these questions, I listened to the Wakelet Podcast titled, ‘The Benefits of Growing your Network & PLN!’ (2022). Below is what I have learned.

Can our PLN’s be used to help professional development post-course?

During the podcast, Storer (2022) mentions the power of Twitter and using  it to gain new experiences, meet new people, grow her network and continuing to connect with people before and after conferences (5:51).

Wilson (2022) discusses the fact that networking previously happened through attending in-person  conferences but once COVID hit – she had to pivot to using Wakelet and other online professional opportunities to enhance her learning. She also uses Twitter to connect with other professionals and make meaningful connections with people whom she has never met in person (8:39).

Both professionals on the Wakelet team use Twitter and virtual conferences as a great way to continuously engage  with our PLN’s to expand our connections and opportunities that are afforded by digital networks. As a teacher-in-training, I know that conferences will be a big part of my professional development but I now know that Twitter is an excellent platform to engage with other professionals before, during, and especially after conferences to continue to grow and learn as  an educator.

The Wakelet teams’ advice on engaging with other professionals pre and post conference:

• It is okay to ‘lurk’ in the beginning – when you first join its okay to just observe but at some point you want to participate in conversations, and meet new people because the benefits are immense
• You have to get uncomfortable – be willing to put yourself out there in online communities to grow professionally
• Take the first step – reach out to one person and grow connections through following similar people (recommended lists on Twitter are a great start)

(Storer & Wilson, 2022, 40:00-42:00)

Can our PLN’s be relied on to open professional opportunities?

Networking involves putting yourself out there, taking risks, and building on current connections. Opportunities will continue to present themselves if we continuously work on our PLN by staying active in online communities (Storer, 2022, 38:40). I am excited to build on my current connections and seize learning opportunities as they present themselves!

I can do this by:

• Learning how to ask for help – “There is power in asking and taking a chance” (Storer, 25:23).
• Reaching out to help others – networking is a give and take
• Learning about new tools to enhance my professions – seeking out new and up and coming tech will support my learning goals

My colleagues post on engaging their PLN post-course:

In their blog, Sadhik mentions the exchange of ideas and sharing of learning that naturally happens through our PLN’s and how that interactivity can fully support our professional development post-course. I appreciate that no matter how different our learning networks may look, the benefits are essentially the same: we all can all advance in our professions through the help of digital networks. I also agree with Sadhik on the importance of frequency – we need to continuously keep in touch with our networks and connections if we want to reap the professional rewards that our PLN’s can provide. Thanks for your insights, Sadhik!

Blog #10 Engaging your PLN

References: 

Del Giudice, M. (2014). From Information Society to Network Society: The Challenge. In: Social Media and Emerging Economies. Springer Briefs in Business. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02490-5_5

Wakelet (2022). The Benefits of Growing your Network & PLN!. #TheWakeletPodcast. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEa8JgAE_qM

Common Sense Media (2020) describes media literacy as, “the ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages they’re sending.” In today’s digital world, media literacy has become increasingly important as media is easier than ever to create, and we don’t always know who has created it – and for what intended purpose.

Media literacy helps us to:

• learn to think critically
• become a smart consumer of products and information
• recognize points of view
• create media responsibly
• identify the role of media in our culture
• understand the authors goal

Common Sense Media (2020)

The Media Literacy Expert

Julie Smith • Webster University Experts Directory

This week I listened to an interview between Jesse Miller and Julie Smith – a communications instructor at Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri. Smith not only teaches but has also authored a book on mass communications and media literacy – a field of study that according to her, is changing every-single day (2021). In her interview she explains that we can find false information, on any topic, at any time on the internet, and that is why it is so crucial to teach media literacy in our current times. Smith also stresses the effort and knowledge that is required to find resources that are valid and factual as well as the importance of balancing perspectives with your media diet (2021).

Why should we bother balancing perspectives by consuming media we don’t agree with?

People often seek out information that supports and confirms their cognitive biases. Additionally, social media and search engine algorithms steer us towards media that further supports our viewpoints and opinions – effectively increasing our biases. While practicing media literacy it is important to critically explore diverse perspectives. This will provide a balanced and well-rounded understanding of differing opinions and values and  opportunities to change ones mind as new information is presented. When teaching media literacy to students, we also want to ensure we are providing them with varying  perspectives and the tools to critically decide for themselves what  to believe. We want to teach students HOW to think, not WHAT to think (2021).

Open dialogues about media literacy and factual information can create conflict, why does
this happen?

Julie Smith (2021) describes this as ‘pull’ news vs ‘push’ news. There are thousands of choices to achieve our media consumption – we can ‘pull’ from many different sources that support our beliefs vs. historical media (radio broadcasts etc.) where media was ‘pushed’ on us.  If we are constantly pulling media that supports our ideas, we will ‘other’ varying viewpoints, effectively increasing opportunities for conflict.

Key questions to ask when practicing media literacy:

• Who created this?
• Why did they make it?
• Who is the message for?
• What techniques are being used to make this message credible or believable?
• What details were left out, and why?
• How did the message make you feel?

Common Sense Media (2020)

What is the benefit of having a PLN that values media literacy?

Within my own PLN,  I will practice media literacy as I connect with other professionals and diverse perspectives to ensure that I am empowering my own learning processes on an individual and a professional level.  As an educator I will also incorporate media literacy throughout my curriculum to ensure my students understand the messages they are receiving, why they were created, and what questions  they can ask to evaluate the authenticity of the media they consume.

My colleagues blog:

Yuxin, I found it interesting that you mention consensus building in relation to seeking out others opinions  on your PLN. You state that, “striving for diverse opinions in a PLN is more about getting people to share their opinions with each other, and to listen and understand different information to facilitate communication and learning among all.”  I think the most powerful piece of that (and of communication) is listening. When we listen to diverse perspectives and voices, we create learning environments where everyone is valued- whether we can agree, or not. Thanks for the read!

Blog #9

Resources:

Common Sense Media (2020). What is media literacy, and why is it important? Retrieved from: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/what-is-media-literacy-and-why-is-it-important 

This week we explored the balancing act that is required for professionals and notable individuals, while engaging in public discourse online. In her interview with Jesse Miller, Sophie Lui – a news anchor at Global BC – describes her interactions with social media and the benefits and risks that are involved while being in the public-eye. This has me considering other professionals use of their PLN’s and how I can best utilize my own PLN to engage with a wider audience that is providing accurate information, and how to go about navigating public discourse in a safe and advantageous manner.

How do notable individuals use social media?

• Gain information
• Reach out to prospective employers and other professionals in their field
• Cautiously
• Personal sharing – Lui described that she uses Instagram for sharing photos of family and using Twitter as a more professional sharing platform where she voices her values and intellectual discourse.

What are the benefits of being in the public eye and having a PLN?

• Public support
• Raise awareness
• Immediate feedback
• Resources and connections to like minded professionals
• Keep you relevant and in the public eye
• Continuous learning -Lui also described her PLN as an easy and efficient access to a wider-intellectual world

Identify the risks and benefits of engaging with a public audience in a media space – what are the risks for a public figure or person in a position of trust (educator, lawyer, government official)?

• Vitriol and criticisms – easier to make negative comments with a quick click of a button vs. writing letters etc.
• Excellent resources
• See other points of view
• Saying the wrong thing/making mistakes

How to best address negative replies and critiques reflective of your personal values and employer’s social media policy?

• Ignore, mute, block
• Can use criticisms for personal growth

Notable individuals recent public discourse on verifiable resources:

Last week there was a  Twitter storm related to Elon Musk’s recent takeover of Twitter. He announced that a blue tick or verified status would now cost users $8 per month. U.S. politician AOC and Musk have since been at war with their tweets – her voicing her opposition to his idea that ‘free-speech’ will now require an $8/month subscription plan and accusations that Musk has now bricked certain functions of her account – and his defense and denial of her credibility and accusations.  It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if Musk’s takeover of Twitter will change the verified landscape of Twitter. If anyone can purchase a blue tick, which were historically difficult to obtain, the authenticity of online accounts will be harder to distinguish.  Additionally, I think it would increase the amount of bots and trolls ability to poison once verifiable resources. His claims to increase free-speech for Twitter users, is not getting off on a good foot.

AOC keeping it real last week during her public discourse with Musk:

Yo @elonmusk while I have your attention, why should people pay $8 just for their app to get bricked when they say something you don’t like?

This is what my app has looked like ever since my tweet upset you yesterday. What’s good? Doesn’t seem very free speechy to me 🤔 pic.twitter.com/e3hcZ7T9up

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 3, 2022

My colleagues blog:

In their blog, PicPen states that “when public figures show themselves to the public, their remarks are more likely to be spread and recognized, thus showing social influence.” I found this statement interesting. When users choose to share details of their lives, their values, and information online they are putting themselves out there for the public to see. For notifiable individuals this can indeed spread their social influence. This also has me considering how users ideas can be twisted as their public discourse get shared and re-shared across numerous accounts. Without context, information can often be misconstrued. Something to consider as we share ourselves and information online. Thanks for your post!

#Blog8 Balancing PLN & Public Discourse

References:

MILLER. (2022). Sophie Lui – EDCI 338 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfcXgKLzOVM

“The individual user has moved from being an anonymous part of a mass to being the center of the media picture”

-Clark and Aufderheide on social media (2011)

Social media and PLN’s are interactive public medias that have revolutionized how we connect with our communities. Prior to these networked publics, people relied on print, radio, and television to inform them on the issues their communities face but these older and limited models of media were missing one crucial factor for enabling change – active participation. So, how can we use social media to connect and participate with our communities to have meaningful impact, and what parameters must be met in order to be effective?

Social Media

With the smartphone revolution, many of us walk around with computers in our pockets, making it easier than ever to access and participate in media that benefits our lives, and the lives of others. Social media networks have become a mass means for people to be informed of the critical issues in their local, national, and even global communities. The rise of the hashtag has made it even easier to connect with like minded individuals and ideas that support our worldviews and desire for change.  This active participation not only brings people together as they share their experiences and ideas for their communities but it is a continuous means to critically engage with the many issues that society inevitably faces, which is a huge transformation from old-school media purposes.

How we can utilize public networks for change?

In his interview with Jesse Miller, Markiel Simpson – a local community activist who uses social media to spread his messaging and advance human rights – discusses how he (and others) utilize social media to create change in their communities.

1. align to advocacy programs
2. connect to community
3. engage with the political landscape
4. meet people they align with
5. help advance messaging
6. listen to diverse perspectives

Above: Simpson and Miller’s Interview

Reminder: to critically engage, our PLN’s Must:

• be inclusive – everyone should have the opportunity to see themselves represented and have access to digital environments that can better their communities
• be diverse –  expand your audience – be mindful of whose voices are included, and whose are not in online interactions

Keeping our PLN’s diverse and inclusive provides us opportunities to find our voice and share it confidently with others as we build alliances with like minded individuals and groups and expand our views through multiple perspectives. Social media allows us access to contribute to our communities in meaningful and historically inaccessible ways, which is an exciting revolution in how we can have impact on many levels – all with the computers in our pockets.

My colleagues blog on community engagement:

Blog #7

In their blog, Yuxin discusses practical ways in which we can be more diverse, inclusive, and safe in our online interactions. I appreciate their suggestion to amplify the view of others by highlighting their thoughts and ideas on our own PLN’s. This is also a great way to attract other like-minded individuals and signal our beliefs and values on our sites. Yuxin also mentions using surveys to gather information on community opinions and opposing ideas being spread based on the results of these surveys. I think that is the gift (and sometimes curse) of networked publics – although there can be a great duality of ideas and values online, everyone has the opportunity to be heard.

References:

Clark, J., Aufderheide, P. (2011). A New Vision for Public Media. In: Jansen, S.C., Pooley, J., Taub-Pervizpour, L. (eds) Media and Social Justice. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi-org.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/10.1057/9780230119796_5

MILLER. (2021). EDCI – 338 Markiel Simpson [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsoDHGaXNNs

Social media campaigns have the potential to raise awareness, increase engagement, and spread wide-scale messages. Successful campaigns are so effective because they are user-generated and inspire collaboration, connection, and most importantly – action. Below are a few strategies from Woods (2013), that I would  follow before engaging with social media campaigns via my PLN – to ensure I am engaging with my audience effectively and respectfully.

• Consider my audience – What message am I trying to send, and who do I want to reach?
• Ask and listen – Reach out to online community with questions. Engage with other users
• Check out multiple platforms – Take into account the platforms unique audience and features
• Consider multiple perspectives – Seek out people in similar but different industries to consider differing perspectives
• Be authentic – Ensure my PLN is reflecting who I am by being open and honest

Political, Social & Environmental Change

Social media campaigns can have many purposes from sales to brand awareness to impactful change.  The best social media campaigns engage users with content that is meaningful to them. The Shorty Impact Awards is an international program dedicated to honoring the most purposeful and impactful social media campaigns that organizations are providing to make the world a better place. Here is a link to the Shorty Impact Awards 2022 finalists. I am sure you will all recognize a few of these.

My colleagues blog:

Keira’s blog does a great job at bringing personal experience into social media campaigns. I also appreciate that she includes the importance of discourse with the individuals or groups with whom the campaign aims to help. This is an important step to any meaningful change and/or impact because without understanding and appropriate execution  – people will not engage with a social media campaign.

Engaging your PLN

References:

Woods, B. (2013, November). Building Your Own PLN: seeking new insights and ideas? Expand your personal learning network. American Society for Training and Development.

Dr. Bradley Baker is a member of the Squamish nation and has been involved in education for over 20 years (Miller, 2021). He has taken on the role of an educator, District Principle of the North Vancouver school district , Executive Director of the BC Ministry of Education and more recently – the Associate Superintendent of Indigenous Education for BC. His influence and  involvement in bettering education for BC students can be witnessed through his community communications and professional roles. This week, I listened to an interview with Dr. Baker in which he identify the themes of using a PLN in a professional capacity and expanded on them to consider what/which social media platforms are beneficial in education and how we can be thoughtful to ensure everyone is included and protected when accessing and using online networks to enhance learning.

Themes of using a professional PLN in education:

PLN’s in education can be so much more than sharing lesson plans and blowing off steam with colleagues. PLN’s should provide a means for educators to take charge of their professional development and connect with other professionals to stay current on best practices, local/global issues, and strategies to better their communities. In his interview, Dr. Baker discussed themes of PLN use in education that are meaningful to him and how he enacts these ideas via his PLN networks.

Political conversations – PLN’s can be effective in sharing POV and current issues within society. Below is a recent example of Dr. Baker using his PLN to  share his support of a local mayoral candidate.

100% agree with you. @LindaCBuchanan is walking the path. She has my family’s vote. https://t.co/xtY2c7Fr0U

— Brad Baker (@bradleyrbaker) October 11, 2022

Support system/relationship building – Creating strong networks of support is crucial in education to engage in professional dialogue.

Community initiatives -PLN networks can help us to become positive contributors to society

Share stories – Social media can humanize our professional roles by sharing personal and familial stories.

Miller (2021)

Which social media platforms are beneficial in education?

There are so many social media platforms and I won’t pretend to know them all. I am however learning the importance of Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and even TikTok in educational environments to enhance learning for educators and students. I aim to use these platforms in a professional capacity to build connections with colleagues, discover diverse perspectives, engage with my community, and further my professional development. I also want to practice and model digital literacy as I utilize social media platforms in my future classrooms for my students to realize the same benefits that social media can provide for their own educational journeys.

How does social media fit into professionalism and regulations when working with the vulnerable sector?

When implementing social media into our professional careers we must be mindful of multiple perspectives and underrepresented voices. In his interview, Dr. Baker discusses the value of social media as a means to hear the ‘true’ story of individuals and communities experiences versus what mainstream media (and their inherent biases) provide. When using social media in a professional capacity we must also be mindful of the ethics involved (ie. privacy) and conduct ourselves in a way that is inclusive to all populations.

Below is another example of a local educator – Jeff Hopkins (founder and principal of PSII) – utilizing his PLN to engage in discourse regarding policies in education.

Hey #bced, does your district have good, clear, unambiguous policy or administrative procedures regarding the selection of learning materials? Given the book-banning in the US & a surge in trustee candidates in this election who have promised to make big changes, worth examining.

— Jeff Hopkins (@hopkinsjeff) October 2, 2022

References: 

MILLER. (2021). Brad Baker EDCI 338 [Video]. YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5z8iHxW2n4

Shelley Moore, a local teacher, learner and inclusive education advocate states that “diversity and inclusion is where we value the characteristics that are diverse, and try not to homogenize them” (2016). While building our personal learning networks (PLN’s), it is crucial that we not only follow Moore’s words and value each others’ unique characteristics and diversities but we must also be willing to create safe and productive learning networks that can adapt and evolve over time.

How diverse is my PLN?

My personal learning network is in the building stages but I believe I am learning from, and with, numerous different individuals, groups, and communities. While building my PLN on Twitter, I try to follow professionals’ with varying points of view, gender, abilities, cultures, religions and socio-economic status. The connections I have made through all social media networks are diverse in nature and I hope to continue expanding my interactions and learnings from unique voices and perspectives in my professionally curated digital communities.

Am I learning from a variety of diverse voices and expanding my understanding of the views of others?

Diverse voices can be found everywhere, but they can only be learned from if their contributions and perspectives are valued and integrated into our learning. I understand the importance of recognizing how our differences affect and influence how we learn and see the world and I welcome opportunities to examine my preconceptions, ideas, and opinions while developing awareness and empathy of others. I also try to remain mindful of whose voices are included and excluded, from my digital networks.

What am I hoping to learn from my PLN?

Through my PLN, I am hoping to:

• be provoked and challenged
• align my values with my practice
• take risks
• find opportunities where I am needed
• learn from others and their experiences
• interact with diverse perspectives and value others contributions
• be vulnerable and authentic

How will I ensure my exposure to diversity and inclusion continues?

I will continue to seek out and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences of others as I expand on my PLN and carry on my life-long learning journey. I will also continue to follow voices, like Shelly Moore’s – who are breaking barriers in inclusive education and what it means to co-construct meaningful spaces  where we all belong, with purpose.

Shelley Moore – Show Me the Purpose. This idea works with inclusive learning practices as well as connecting with others through our digital learning environments.

Resources:

Moore, Shelley. One Without the Other : Stories of Unity Through Diversity and Inclusion, Portage & Main Press, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uvic/detail.action?docID=4832579.
Created from uvic on 2022-10-03 18:42:01.

What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Slack are just a few of the digital platforms that can be used for professional networking but they do not all share the same purpose or beneficial applications. Facebook is great for promotions, photos, and event sharing – while Slack is a great way to connect with like minded communities. Of all the digital platforms, I use Twitter the most. I think Twitter is an excellent way to connect with other professionals around the world as well as stay up to date on current trends and topics.

What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?

While building a professional learning network it is important to consider a few key recommendations.

1. Diversity: Are you connecting with people locally, provincially, and/or globally? Who’s voices are in your network and whose are not?
2. Focus: What are you hoping to gain from your professional learning  network? Are the connections you are making relevant to your professional goals?
3. Longevity: Will your learning network provide on-going support and learning? Is it a strong network that you can continuously rely on?
4. Support: Does your professional network support your goals and visa-versa? What does this support look like to you? What are you hoping to gain from the connections you make?

How do data privacy and security limit and/or promote a PLN?

It is wise to remain mindful and professional while curating your digital identity. The information you choose to share and connect to can have huge implications and consequences for future employment if not handled properly. It is also important to consider how your data is being used and how it is being shared because once information is put out online, it can be very difficult to remove. Additionally, it is important to protect your personal and financial information to minimize the risks of fraud and theft (Regan & Jesse, 2019).

In your network how can you create a digital identity/ reputation?

Professional learning networks (PLN’s) act as a carefully curated online identity that can enhance or destroy your professional reputation. You can create a positive PLN by connecting with social media platforms, applications, and communities that support your goals and reflect who you are – in a positive light. In todays era of call-out or cancel culture, you need to ensure that what and who you are choosing to share/share with is appropriate and could not have negative effects on your future career and professional goals. One way to ensure this is to create separate accounts for personal and professional use. Future employers may dismiss your application if there are photos of you online slamming back beers with your buddies or if you have affiliations with negative people/groups.

How did pivots to work-from-home during the COVID-19 pandemic change how we should consider our social media connectivity and professional balance?

Working or schooling from home during the global pandemic has increased peoples’ time online. Although this shift has enhanced many individuals connections and skills, it has also provided challenges in regard to work/home balance. I know for myself, it can be difficult to switch from professional to personal when I am on my computer for many hours a day but it has also given me many opportunities to increase my professional digital identity.

My Visitor and Resident (V & R) Map

References:

Regan, P., & Jesse, J. (2019). PLN space through Social Media platforms (Developing awareness) Privacy, Ethics & Security in Digital Spaces Developing Awareness of Privacy. Retrieved from:  https://digitaltattoo.ubc.ca/quizzes/privacy-and-surveillance/

What is a digital identity?

Digital identity is your presence online  – what you choose to share and how you interact to represent yourself digitally (Stoller, 2016).  These can be constructed on platforms such as: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn etc.  Our digital identities can help our personal and professional lives by connecting us with local and/or global communities, as well as diminish those connections and supports if you do not represent yourself authentically and professionally online.

In some areas of the world, digital identity can also be used to increase political and social inclusion, drive economic growth, and provide citizens access to services online, such as: voting, health records, and taxes (World Economic Forum, 2019).

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

Many people choose to have multiple social media accounts for personal and professional use as they separate the type of content and tailor their language to distinct audiences. A personal account is a space where people choose to reach out to friends and family, post photos, and connect to like-minded groups.  Contrastingly, a professional social media account is a space where people choose to omit many of their personal details and prove themselves ‘hireable’ as they share their positions and achievements to connect with other professionals in their field. Spracklen (2015) discusses that our digital identities, whether personal or professional,  are performative and often full of half-truths or false representations as we use social media to ‘best’ represent ourselves online to find belonging and meaning in our culture.

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

Digital identities are increasingly being sourced as a means to access public services and prove residency (2019).  Unfortunately these opportunities are not accessible to all as nearly 50% of the worlds population still does not have internet access. This brings up issues of inclusion and discrimination as not all citizens are able to participate digitally in an equal manner. Converging out digital identities with networked publics can also bring about negative impacts to security, ethics, and privacy if not standardized and quality controlled (2019).

However, if digital identities can be implemented on a global scale with equal opportunity and safety, the positive impacts for society and economy would be immense. In Estonia, digital identities are used to access businesses and services through a digital ID card. These ID cards are used for taxes, e-voting, e-prescriptions and signing digital documents – thus saving their citizens time and money for accessing various public services (2019).

Resources:

Davos (2019). The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society https://youtu.be/1-V7lyxrOmw

Spracklen, K. (2015). Identity-Making and Social Media. In: Digital Leisure, the Internet and Popular Culture. Leisure Studies in a Global Era. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137405876_6

Stoller, E. (2016). What is Digital Identity? https://youtu.be/u0RryRbJza0Davos (2019). The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society https://youtu.be/1-V7lyxrOmw