Blog Post 2: Digital Identity

WHAT IS DIGITAL IDENTITY?

Digital identity can be defined in many ways. As described in the video ‘What is Digital Identity’ by Eric Stoller, it goes beyond simply having an online presence. It includes everything an individual posts, such as comments on others’ posts, portfolio content, and interactions across the web. In today’s interconnected world, our digital identity remains accessible and searchable, leaving a digital footprint of our activities.

More than just a collection of online data, the digital identity reflects who we are and shapes how others perceive us. It serves as a showcase of our values, interests, and experiences, ultimately forming a representation of our identity. However, it is significantly important to be aware of our digital identity and how others may interpret it. The impressions formed from our online presence can impact personal and professional relationships, as well as potential opportunities. 

HOW DO PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL APPROACHES TO DIGITAL IDENTITY AFFECT SOCIAL MEDIA USE?

Personal and professional approaches to digital identity differ significantly, impacting social media usage. The main purpose of using social media is driven by unique end goals. In the article ‘Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I?‘, it is discussed how medical students acquire essential aspects of professionalism and effectively communicate and network on social media, integrating digital networking into their professional digital identities (PDI). The internet facilitates interactions and the formation of virtual communities, enabling students to connect, exchange information, and engage in discussions. Social media usage enhances information gathering and promotes efficient and productive discussions. Networking on social media provides professionals with opportunities to enhance their abilities and skills in areas such as peer learning, teamwork, collaborative learning, leadership, communication, ethics, and professionalism. Lastly, professional approaches have a direct influence on their professional reputation, as they shape how colleagues, potential employers, and clients perceive an individual’s expertise, professionalism, and industry knowledge. Therefore, professionals must be aware of their language, tone, and content when engaging in social media.

On the other hand, personal approaches to digital identity using social media mainly revolve around connecting with friends, colleagues, family, and personal acquaintances, resulting in a more closed and intimate network. The main purpose of using social media in personal contexts is to engage in casual conversations and share daily updates within these close networks. As a result, personal approaches to digital identity often prioritize privacy and may have stricter privacy settings in place. Individuals may restrict access to their personal information and posts, allowing only close connections to view and engage with their content. Consequently, the tone and language used in personal digital identities are often more casual and relaxed compared to professional contexts.

HOW DO DIGITAL IDENTITIES CONVERGE IN NETWORKED PUBLICS?

In the video ‘Davos 2019 – Press Conference: The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society,‘ several well-known individuals effectively present the impact and benefits of digital identity. Digital identity offers various benefits, which will be discussed below.

THE IMPACTS AND BENEFITS

1. Facilitates activities like filing taxes, e-voting, e-schooling, e-banking, and digitally signing documents.
2. Offers e-residency to people from around the world, attracting new global users.
3. Provides economic value and potential opportunities for both developing and developed economies.
4. Enables micro-entrepreneurs to access government services, pay taxes, and establish rights and assets.
5. Supports women’s empowerment by providing identification for accessing various services and asserting rights, especially in developing countries.
6. Enhances delivery services’ efficiency, particularly in areas with no birth certificates or traditional forms of identification.
7. Enables financial inclusion, with millions of new bank accounts opened and direct cash transfers facilitated. (Example of India)
8. Provides a secure and reliable means of identification for accessing education, healthcare, and official registrations, especially for individuals who are frequently on the move.

Alongside the economic benefits of digital identity, it is essential to address the concerns surrounding privacy and security. Clear rules and regulations must be in place to protect individuals and their digital identities. A well-implemented digital identity can have a positive impact by empowering and safeguarding individuals. As Manju George, the head of Platform Services, emphasized, ensuring wide distribution and inclusion in accessing meaningful opportunities and the quality of the identity is essential. Individuals should have the ability to keep their data secure and retain control over how their identity is used. Individuals must be allowed to control their own data and decide with whom they want to share it.

References

Gunpreesh. (2022b, February 21). Talking about Digital Identity. . . – Gunpreesh Kaur. https://edusites.uregina.ca/gunpreesh/2022/02/21/talking-about-digital-identity/

Jawed, S., Mahboob, U., & Yasmeen, R. (2019). Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I? Education for Health (Abingdon, England), 32(1), 33–35. https://doi.org/10.4103/efh.EfH_232_17

University of Derby. (2016, November 25). Eric Stoller – What is Digital Identity? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0RryRbJza0

World Economic Forum. (2019, February 5). Davos 2019 – Press Conference The Value of Digital Identity for the Global Economy and Society [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-V7lyxrOmw