Personal vs. Professional: How I Manage My Digital Presence
Introduction: What Our Footprints Reveal
Digital identity showcases the choices we make, the interactions we have, and the data we create that influence how others perceive us online. Nicola Osborne (2016) points out that our digital footprints narrate a story about what we value, what interests us, and how we behave. In this reflection, I’m going to dive into how my personal and professional digital identities overlap, the challenges that come with that, and what I’m doing to create a more thoughtful online presence.
Personalized vs. Professional Presence
I mainly express my digital self on Instagram, sharing moments with friends, travel adventures, and my hobbies. For example, my latest Instagram post has me wandering around Toronto, capturing a bit of my casual, adventurous vibe.
On the other side, I have my professional presence mainly on LinkedIn and GitHub. These sites showcase my educational and work experiences, like when I announced starting my new job as a Software Developer at the University of Victoria.
Below are my latest recent posts on Instagram and LinkedIn:
Both platforms reflect different parts of who I am, catering to distinct audiences. Instagram focuses on connection and creativity, while LinkedIn highlights my credibility and professional development. Together, they help shape how people see me in various situations.
Intentional Curation and Missed Use
As Dakota Gruener (2019) shares how many folks don’t fully leverage online spaces, a phenomenon she refers to as “missed use.” Reflecting on my past, I realize I used to be quite reluctant to share my learning moments, which really held me back in terms of visibility and making connections.
Now that I’m nearing the end of my degree, I’ve become much more aware of how crucial having a digital presence is for opening up professional doors. Employers frequently check out online profiles to assess a candidate’s engagement, so cultivating a thoughtful online identity gives me some face value in a competitive job market.
Challenges and Balancing Authenticity
It’s not always easy to keep the personal and professional lives apart online. I really want to be genuine and share my real-life moments, but I’ve come to understand that the same people like classmates, professors, or even future employers might end up seeing both aspects of my online persona, which sometimes blurs the line between casual and professional. Example, someone who checks out my LinkedIn for my projects might also stumble upon my casual travel pics on Instagram.
Because of this overlap, I make an effort to be more deliberate about what I post. I aim to keep my personal updates light and fun, while my professional profiles focus on showcasing my skills and accomplishments. Striking this balance allows me to be authentic while also ensuring my online presence aligns with my career aspirations.
Key Insight: Building a Consistent Online Identity
Creating a Personal Learning Network (PLN) on platforms like LinkedIn and GitHub has helped me connect with mentors, share knowledge, and discover new opportunities. Going forward, I’m looking to be more thoughtful about my posts mixing authenticity with professionalism and seeing my online presence as a chance for ongoing reflection and growth.
Nicola Osborne (2016) pointed that our online presence shows what we care about and how we interact with the world. I really hope my own reflects values like curiosity, growth, and a sense of community basically, a digital identity of who I am today and who I’m striving to be.
References
Gruener, D. (2019, July 3). Digital identity – Weighing the risks of misuse and missed use [Video]. TEDxMarrakesh. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqq-LGgyGZ4
Osborne, N. (2016, December 2). What do your digital footprints say about you? [Video]. TEDxYouth@Manchester. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVX8ZSAR4OY&t=503s