Explore Digital Identity

Any identification is critical to access services in the health, financial, and transportation systems. Therefore, it is amazing to know that millions of people across the globe, mostly in developing countries do not have an ID. Much like any physical identification, digital identification is essential when operating online. Digital identification is any trusted account that holds records/footprint to your person. Government verified digital identification differs from social media digital identification in that there are limited regulations to creating an identification on social media versus on government platforms. As nations adapt to new implementations of technologies, they have been incentivized to establish programs that create digital identities for their citizens. For instance, Estonia has seen a higher efficiency within its markets by creating more digital identities for their citizens. In developing countries, a change to increased digital IDs has increased GDP by up to 13% due to operating cost reductions. The WEF has found that digital IDs have improved minority inclusion for government services as well. These results have initiated a push for many governments across the world to switch to using digital identities. This is an example of when different digital identities converge in networked publics for civic purposes. For instance, India began implementing digital identities to its citizens in 2009. They were incredibly careful to regulate the security around the data of personal and professional identities that were using the government service. The implementation of this program by the Indian government resulted in 1.2 billion users participating in a new social network. This program continues to benefit Indians, that might otherwise not have a physical identity, to this day.

Evidently people tailor their social media towards their personal or professional goals, or both. You want to construct your professional identity around online behaviours that attract similarly minded people. More precisely, you want to demonstrate your skills and ability to effectively create value within your community.  Professional digital identification should avoid controversial or divisive opinions. Keeping this identity current with showcasing new achievements or projects could present new opportunities in the future. Personal digital identities should still convey responsible behaviour, yet they can incorporate more personal elements to them, such as hobbies, or informal events. Even though there are two different approaches to digital identity, it is important to keep in mind that there can be a many different types of blended professional and personal identities. For instance, YouTube influencers sometimes showcase their daily life on their professional platforms which can ultimately strengthen and grow the connection with their audience. Yet the risk lies in being able to control the material on your social media presence. When I did a google search of my name there were two full pages of links to stories about me. Many of these stories were not published by myself. This shows the uncontrollable nature of digital identities on social media.

References:

Spracklen, Karl. “Identity-Making and Social Media.” SpringerLink, Palgrave Macmillan, London, 1 Jan. 1970, link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057/9781137405876_6.