Today, we will be discussing about the different digital identities a person could adopt online, with focus on non-anonymous (single and multiple) identities and what are its benefits or drawbacks. The video below gives a brief explanation of what these identities are, its advantages and disadvantages.
(Self produced video using PowToons, source: FutureLearn, 2017)
Now that we have a better understanding, let’s look at some of the negative effects on single identity. In 2012, NTUC assistant director Amy Cheong was sacked for posting racists remarks on her personal Facebook (FB) page (Durai, 2012).
(Screenshot from FB, Source: Human Resource Online, 2012)
It was said that Cheong’s FB page was linked to her workplace and title, thus the involvement of her employers. Although she was quick to apologise after the incident, damage had already been done and news had spread across the internet (Zolkifi, 2012).
Thus, it is important to think twice before posting anything online. Also, since privacy concerns are linked to the internet, this video teaches us ways to protect our online identity.
(DW English, 2013)
As seen from above, having a single identity that links personal and professional could have consequences. In this case, a multiple identity might be needed. Furthermore, having a separate professional online identity could be beneficial in getting a job (BBC News, 2013). The following infographic shows the data of job screening based on social media.
(Self produced using Canva, 2017, Source: Salm & CareerBuilder)
From the infographic above, blogging is one of the method to develop your professional identity online. Thus, I have summarized the benefits of having a blog below.
(Self produced using Canva, 2017, Source: TheEmployable)
In conclusion, having multiple identities are beneficial to professional development but may require time and effort to manage. On the contrary, one must always be careful what they post when using a single identity.
Word Count: 300
References:
BBC News. (2013, December 18). Business: Job hunting: How to promote yourself online. Retrieved from BBC News: http://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-25217962/job-hunting-how-to-promote-yourself-online
CareerBuilder. (2014, August 13). Employment-related social media you should be using. Retrieved from CareerBuilder: https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/employmentrelated-social-media-you-should-be-using
Durai, J. (2012, October 9). NTUC assistant director sacked for racist remarks. Retrieved from The Straits Times: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ntuc-assistant-director-sacked-for-racist-remarks
DW English. (2013, April 30). Fake It! – Protecting Your Identity Online | Shift. Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUZ4LOFgdCk
Salm, L. (2017, June 15). 70% of employers are snooping candidates’ social media profiles. Retrieved from CareerBuilder: https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/social-media-survey-2017
Teo, M. (2017, November 20). What is your network identity? Retrieved from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9BUqYquFEM
TheEmployable. (2014, October 28). Career Advice: How blogging can help you get a job. Retrieved from TheEmployable: http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2014/10/28/blogging-can-help-get-job/
University of Southampton. (2017, November 20). 2.6 What is your network identity? Retrieved from FutureLearn: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/steps/263025
Zolkifi, S. (2012, October 9). The cost of Amy Cheong’s remarks. Retrieved from Human Resource Online: http://www.humanresourcesonline.net/cost-amy-cheongs-remarks/
M I N H U I 
Hi Min Hui!
The video you made pretty much summarized most of the important points of having either single or multiple online identities, I really liked it. ☺ I agree with you that it is important to keep a watchful eye on what you post online be it on a personal or private profile. It’s a pity to see people losing their jobs because they are not careful when managing their accounts, just like this girl in the following article: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/15/magazine/how-one-stupid-tweet-ruined-justine-saccos-life.html?_r=1
Since search engines makes it easy for employers to find both your personal and professional account, how do you “prevent” your employers from uncovering the personal profiles that they are ‘not supposed’ to view? Or rather, instead of being afraid that they’ll see mediocre posts, do you think it is better to not have multiple accounts that display your different persona?
Can’t wait for your reply! ☺
Cheers,
Gladys
(150 words)
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Hi Gladys!
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. To answer your first question, you can watch the video above, ‘fake it!’ in which they suggest using different systems to cover your tracks online. Another method is to change your personal accounts settings to private, allowing only certain people to view. As for the second question, I feel that as long as you feel comfortable curating what you posts online, it is okay to have a single identity. Otherwise, you’ll have to manage several accounts making sure no errors are made on either accounts.
Hope this answered your questions!
Cheers! 🙂
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