When I was a kid I had a much different idea of what my digital self would be. ( Damn you Tron!) Like a lot of other kids, I pictured myself in video games jumping on turtle heads or saving Zelda. The reality is much less glamorous but creating a good digital self is more important today than ever. Often times, your career or potential career may hinge on the digital footprint you leave on the internet. So, it is extremely important to have a clear understanding what your online reputation is and to protect it.
When I first started using the net, it seemed like an anonymous place where just about anything goes and there were no consequences to anything you might do or say. This couldn't be further from the truth, as the internet has a memory and it rivals that of the elephant so don't peeve it off. As I have gotten more internet savvy , I have tried over time to take the necessary steps to protect my online reputation. I thoroughly review all the privacy settings available with the different social networking sites I participate in and I'm more selective with the content that I upload online.
A quick Google search of myself doesn't drum up a lot of information. The various social networking sites I have profiles on pop up but not much else. On these sites I have tried to create a profile that presents the qualities I want others to know about me. Anything personal I might have on sites like Facebook are protected by viewing settings and only available to people I trust. However, I am highly considering taking the time to go through the painstaking process of reviewing all the pictures and posts I have made and removing any that I might deem a bit suspect. I like posting funny videos which despite being hilarious might not give the right impression to my peers or potential employers.
Another area where I could improve my online reputation would be to take more time to properly review all the features offered by the various networking sites. I have a Linkedin account but to be honest I have not really explored the site much and don't know much about the applications or features I might be able to utilize. I'm sure there are features that would have enhance my reputation.
Finally, there seems to be a lot more sites that I can participate and build my online reputation. Many of the sites we have spoke about in class are new to me. Sites like Reddit are familiar but I haven't bothered looking at them. I will have to get a lot more familiar with them before take the step to join their respective communities.
There is definitely a fair bit of room for improvement of my online reputation and I am looking forward to learning more about the ways I can enhance my digital footprint. Now, if could only be as easy picking up a hammer and smashing a bunch of turtles.
What you said pretty much echoes my thoughts on a digital reputation. When I first started out it was the last thing on my mind. Facebook was this new site where you would see all the party pictures from last night.
ReplyDeleteAs I've gotten older (not wiser) I've started moving towards the safer approach like you've mentioned. Now with this class, it's even clearer that I need to start thinking about what I do now online because it could seriously affect my future prospects.
Like you, I am considering going through Facebook and deleting some inappropriate pictures and links. That should take a weekend!
Also, need to check out the settings of what we sign up for. Need to make that a habit.
I know you'll be a success in the future whichever avenue you choose to go. Just don't let your love of photoshop jeopardize that!! ha
Wow, Shearsus! I think my future digital self as a kid would probably have resembled quite closely yours had our visions become reality. It hasn't become the case, but it has ,as you've very clearly pointed out, become a completely different world with the use of Internet and all its wonders. It is crazy to think of how connected the people of the world are (for better or worse)in the digital age. I think you've covered the gamut when it comes to moving in the direction to sculpting one's digital footprint. Also, I could not relate more with your concern of the heaps of pictures that have been posted without our prior consent. While the ability to control our privacy on social media such as Facebook has become easier, there is always the chance of that one photo slipping up. And with virtual administrative features like photo recognition being implemented and prompting us to tag ourselves or not, the reality of gaining 100% control over our online reputation will prove to be an even more difficult feat in times to come. Fighting!
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