#UOSM2008 Topic 2: Reflective Summary

The continuous debate surrounding the concept of an internet user having multiple online identities is one which I do not anticipate ending anytime soon. Prior to being set this topic, had I been asked about the advantages and disadvantages of this concept I would most likely have been limited in my response; having both a personal and professional twitter account for separate uses I know from experience they’re fairly easy to manage and can be effective in enhancing interaction between yourself and groups of people with common interests on that network, but  had never really considered it beyond that.

After further research online regarding this concept, I’ve learnt a great deal more about the importance of anonymity and authenticity within this debate, and particularly how important it is to consider the context within which our alternative identities are acting online.

My attention to the separation between professional and personal online accounts, and my belief that maintaining separate accounts is, all things considered, advantageous for many reasons, sparked comments discussing how we interact as alternative personas of ourselves, and the way we have been made to evolve our identities online to suit to the changing nature of the internet. Although I agree that we have almost been ‘forced’ to evolve our online use as a result of this change, I still believe there are great benefits to be gained from the increased engagement we are now able to have with specific, like-minded online users … and we must also remember that everyone has the choice to alter their identities, it is not compulsory.

Reading others’ blogs has given me an alternative perspective on a lot of the advantages/disadvantages surrounding this concept, particularly having read George Chiverton’s blog:(http://georgechiverton.wordpress.com/2014/02/23/more-musings-on-topic-2-anonymity-or-indentity-whats-best-for-the-internet/)

It gave me a really interesting evaluation on the much-debated issue of anonymity regarding multiple online identities, particularly discussing the freedom of speech we are all entitled to, yet the responsibility and caution we must utilise when interacting with others online. Incorporating real-world examples such as the Arab Spring to relate these concepts effectively made it an even more engaging piece, something I think I could integrate into my own posts in the future.