Ā Digital Identity: Personal vs. ProfessionalĀ
Personal and professional digital identities serve different purposes. and after researching the distinction is the key to managing how we present ourselves online. My personal digital identity is how I interact with friends and family, definitely more causal vibes. I keep my social media accounts private and list access to close friends and family to maintain security and personal boundaries. which also allows me to be comfortable and in control over who sees my content. Ā In contrast, my professional digital identity is how I present myself as a student and future professional. Platforms like UVIC email, Linkedin, Mattermost, and other academic tools. These spaces are visible to the public, allowing me to have opportunities for networking, career growth, and come across future employers.
Digital Visitor and Resident MapĀ
This map helped me visualize how I separate my personal and professional digital spaces, as well as how visible my identity is across different platforms. The personal side of the map shows platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and VSCO. These apps being in the second quadrant is for my personal and “resident” end, showing that i’m active and engaged on these platforms. Even though these spaces are more visible, I still maintain control over my privacy through settings, usernames, and restricted access.Ā Streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Pinterest are on the visitor side, using them for consumption rather than interaction. for me I don’t leave a digital footprint on them they are mainly entertainment focused rather than identity driven.
After reflecting on my map, it made me more aware of how intentional I am with my online presence, even when i’m not actively thinking about it. Seeing the platforms layout in front of me and thinking about what platforms I use definitely helped me recognize that I already practice boundary setting between visibility and privacy. it also made me realize that this map is not forever. Digital identity is not fixed, it changes depending on the priories, responsibilities, and stages of life. For me when it is peak exam season I tend to delete my social media accounts to focus more on school. Making me spend more time on institutional platforms such as Brightspace.Ā
Hi Simran , I really enjoyed your post and I also thought it was insightful that you mentioned deleting or stepping back from social media during exam periods. That choice stood out to me on your map and highlighted how intentionally you adjust your digital identity based on your priorities at different times.
Thanks,
Saghi
Great read! I really liked how clearly you explained the difference between your personal and professional digital identities. We use of private settings to stay in control while stopping being active online shows a strong awareness of boundaries and digital security. The point about digital identity changing with priorities, such as during exam season, was also a great insight and made your post feel very intentional and reflective.
I really like how you explain this, itās clear and easy to follow. Your visitor and resident map looks really good, super clean and makes sense right away. It helped me understand how you separate personal and professional spaces. Thanks for sharing this, really helpful.