• What is a digital identity?

An individual’s identity is composed of the dots when looking backwards at their life. Similarly, a digital identity consists of colorful dots people create on the Internet. It is an online representation or certification of who you are, and it is what Eric Stoller called the “footprint on the web” (University of Derby, 2016). A digital identity can be likened to the brain while the Internet can be seen as the heart that offers the identity numerous opportunities to engage in all kinds of activities. With a digital identity, individuals can “meet” each other regardless of distance, time and space. Also, it allows the occurrence of online interactions and the establishment of meaningful relationships. Meanwhile, technology is developing so rapidly that you might find it hard to live without the digital identity. During the COVID-19, a green code is one of the vital digital identities for Chinese people, as it is an indispensible requirement for accessing all the public places.

My digital identity, to be honest, is relatively simple and monotonous. For leisure, I mainly use my identity as a spectator to browse and update on the latest news happening both close to me and around the globe in most cases. On the academic front, my digital identity as an undergraduate majoring in psychology grants me access to all the benefits a student can enjoy. If possible, I hope that in the future, I can use my digital identity to fulfill a goal which was what my head teacher in high school often said, “Let others feel warmth because of your presence.”

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

Personal approaches to digital identity contribute to the development of life-oriented social media platforms that prioritize convenience and accessibility over formality and privacy concerns. Additionally, social media usage often revolves around individual connection, self-expression and recreation, making it an integral part of daily life. By contrast, professionals tend to use digital professional identity (DPI) exclusively on social websites for formal activities and commitments related to their expertise. The social media platforms become workplace-based ones (Saria, et al., 2019) that require higher levels of security and privacy. In this context, social media serves as the medium for professional engagement.

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

The impacts and benefits of digital identities in networked publics are immeasurable. On a personal level, the convergence of digital identities allows people to connect with others in an easier, faster and more recognizable way, as they can easily identify the shared traits, beliefs, interests and experiences with one single click of a search. On a public level, these converged identities can significantly enhance societal equity as well as a nation’s economy. Just as the speakers from the World Economic Forum mentioned, digital identities provide people with protection against discrimination, increase the rates of employment, and elevate the efficiency of social services through digital means (World Economic Forum, 2019). Undoubtedly, an innovation-intensive industrial system has been constructed thanks these identities. Therefore, the convergence of digital identities in networked publics can greatly improve both personalized surfing experiences, and a society’s ethical and economic structures.

References:

Saira, J., Usman, M., Rahila, Y. (2019) Digital Professional Identity: Dear Internet! Who am I?. Education for Health, 32(1), 33-35. http://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