Topic 2 Reflection
When this topic was set, I initially read through the resources provided, and then discovered a wide array of content on multiple online identities. This topic was of great interest to me and I was exposed to so much information regarding it on the web that I probably could have written a 1,500-word essay if I had to.
In particular, I enjoyed gaining an understanding for the arguments against having more than one online identity, especially in Saber’s post, as I have a mind-set that is in favour of multiple online identities. I also found it interesting how recent news related perfectly to this topic. On the 20th February, it was reported that three UK girls had fled to Syria. Whilst this initially may seem random to the topic, it was later discovered that one of the ‘grade A’ students was recruited to be a ‘Jihadi bride over Twitter’. This report changed my one-sided view on this topic, as on one hand the girls were perceived to be grade A students and on the other hand they lived a completely different life on social media, which illustrates the dangers of multiple online identities. Read the story here.
From this, I learnt that there are dangers to multiple online identities, but to an extent they are out of our control. This topic has brought to light the importance of taking control if you do have multiple online identities. Every retweet must be considered and comments made, as it reflects our perception to others, whether it’s personally, professionally or both.
It takes seven seconds for someone to form a first impression, a first impression that could lead to new opportunities, colleagues and even relationships (Smith 2014). Therefore, as I create more online identities, I aim to stand out.
Comments:
https://saberhamidi.wordpress.com/2015/02/22/topic-2-should-we-have-more-than-one-online-identity/
https://leighravenhill.wordpress.com/2015/02/22/identity-crisis-me-myself-and-i/
References:
M. Smith, 2014, Taking Control of your online identity, Available: http://thenextweb.com/dd/2014/10/15/importance-online-identity/ [Accessed 24th February 2014]
