What is your online identity?

Before delving into the discussion, the meaning of having an online identity must first be ascertained. So what is that?

The sum of characteristics and interactions from each website the user visited, known as partial identities and this collective perception makes up their online identity. (1)

It is vastly different from the actual identity of the person because the sum of partial identities doesn’t accurately represent the true nature of a person.

One motivation for having multiple online identities is anonymity. The internet is a platform where information is shared freely, with entities interested in the user’s personal information; identity, web surfing usage and so on. (2) Having more than one online identity allows the user to surf at ease, offering protection against those with malicious intent such as hackers, businesses and even government agencies.

Source: (The daily sheeple, 2015)

People can also express themselves without fear of discrimination. Meaning that gender bias, racism, disabilities, sexual orientation will be all out of the window. Presently, there’s still places where minority groups are shunned and treated with contempt. Being anonymous grants a person in the minority group the freedom of speech which they may never have gotten in real life.

Another advantage is that users can separate work from play. It is apparent for most and something I am guilty for. On social platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, pictures capturing bit and pieces of my personal life are posted for the sharing and viewing of people. These memories although beautiful is not something I would wish to show my employers.

On my LinkedIn account, personal particulars along with work history and qualifications are clearly stated for viewing. It delivers the necessary information and an air of professionalism to my employer.

Despite the perks, the drawback for having multiple online identities is the issue of authenticity. For instance, an employer would conduct research to know more about the person he is going to employ. Imagine his dismay if he were to find multiple online identities from the same person, not knowing which to believe. (3) As the saying goes, too much of too many is never a good thing.

In conclusion, it is still up to the context on how a user’s online identity is viewed. The safest bet is no matter which platform, only deliver information that is safe for viewing and won’t jeopardise one’s reputation.  (400 words)

References:

1. Internet Society (2015), Understanding your Online Identity: An Overview of Identity, Available at: http://www.opus1.com/www/whitepapers/identity-overview1.pdf
2. Cactus VPN (no date), what is Online Identity and why you should care? Available at: https://www.cactusvpn.com/beginners-guide-to-vpn/online-identity/
3. K (2012), online identity: is authenticity or anonymity more important? Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/apr/19/online-identity-authenticity-anonymity
4. Jeff. J (2011) One identity or more? Available at:  http://buzzmachine.com/2011/03/08/one-identity-or-more/