Reflection on Topic 3

Before #MANG2049, I never knew that there was a difference between having a single or multiple identity and always thought that having a consistent image throughout all social media platforms was the most effective. However, after going through this course and learning from my coursemates, I have learnt that having a single identity not only has a high chance of identity theft but also an even greater risk of the “unintended”.

After reading Aaron’s blog, he came up with a unique concept called F.A.C.E.S which can be used to identify the type of identity suitable for an individual.

Source: Self Produced

Aaron also uses the analogy of a Masquerade to demonstrate the idea of being anonymous online. Anonymity is a useful identity to have because it reduces the risk of identity theft and increases freedom of speech. Despite the many benefits, some people take it for granted and abuse this identity. As such, it is important to educate users on their social responsibility on the web and to also have safety nets in place when deviants slip through the cracks.

In addition, Sarah’s comment on having multiple identities on social media platforms such as LinkedIn has shown me that it is indeed a useful tool to have when trying to separate the personal from the professional.

Learning from this course, I have decided to adopt the integrated single identity- one identity for each social media platform. This identity is a mixture of both the single and multiple identity and allows me to remain authentic while still differentiating between personal and professional.

In conclusion, at the end of the day, no matter what identity is used, it is important to be a responsible user and be authentic in how you behave online.

(289 Words)

Comments:

Sarah

Aaron

 

 

IDENTITY OR IDENTITIES

Source: Yahoo News

Most Singaporean should remember this infamous story which saw an NTUC Assistant Director fired for posting racist remarks on Facebook. Amy Cheong the NTUC Assistant Director has a single online identity on Facebook, which combines both her personal and professional identities. At the heat of the moment, an ‘unintended’ remark ruined her career. Personally, this incident has forced me to review our interactions on social media and has also changed the way I post on public domains.

But before delving into what am I, let’s take a look at what network identity is.

Source: Self-produced Via Piktochart, using information from Futurelearn (2017)

I believe that different people will use a different approach to network identity. As it higher depends on our digital difference. A resident would most likely have multiple identities while a visitor would have a single identity.

I choose to use the “single identity” approach to the Web. As said from Topic 1, I am more of a digital visitor compare to being a digital resident. Hence, most of the cons for single identity does not reflect on me. I find the single identity approach to be more convenient and it allows others to connect with me. At the same time, I give others the authenticity feel.

After #MANG2049, I find myself growing from a digital visitor to a digital resident. It made me realised that I have to integrate the use of “single identity” approach and I need to start “defining” my identity. For example, I have to “Clean Up” my social media account such as deleting inappropriate post or photos and improving my privacy and security by changing the settings.

(272 Words)

Reference:

FutureLearn. (2017). What is your network identity? – Learning in the Network Age – University of Southampton. [online] Available: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/learning-network-age/3/steps/263025

Jeanette Tan (2012). NTUC Fires Assitant Director. [online] Available: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ntuc-assistant-director-says-sorry-for-racist-post.html

Reputation Defender (2016). Digital Identity: What is it, and Why is so important to manage? [online] Available : https://reputationdefendertestimonials.com/digital-identity-important-manage/

White, D. and Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement. [online] Available: http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3171/3049