Digital Literacies - Identity

Charlie Swarley

3 Jun 201602:45

Summary

TLDRThis video script delves into the concept of digital identity, emphasizing how it mirrors our physical identity with the potential for judgment based on online presence. It highlights the importance of curating our online image, as it often serves as the first impression in various social and professional contexts. The script encourages viewers to consider the content they share and their privacy settings, suggesting a self-audit by Googling oneself to understand how one's digital identity is perceived.

Takeaways

🧩 Digital identity is similar to physical identity, as it involves how people perceive you based on your online presence.
🔍 People often judge others by their looks, body shape, and other physical attributes, which is mirrored in how digital identity is formed through online interactions.
🌐 Everything you post online contributes to your digital identity, including images, comments, profiles, and the content you engage with.
🤳 The concept of a 'virtual self' is crucial in understanding how individuals present themselves online, which may not always be an accurate reflection of their true selves.
💼 Employers are increasingly using digital platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter to assess potential candidates, making digital identity a critical factor in first impressions.
🔎 A simple online search can reveal a lot about a person's digital identity, including their comments, criticisms, and social attitudes.
💭 The idea of a 'virtual self' is significant as it influences how others perceive you online before you even have a chance to make a first impression.
🛡️ Controlling your digital identity involves being mindful of the image you project online through comments, uploads, and other interactions.
🔒 Privacy settings and regularly checking your online presence are essential practices for managing your digital identity.
🔎 Encouraging individuals to 'Google' themselves to understand and potentially improve their digital identity is a proactive approach to online reputation management.

Q & A

What is the concept of digital identity as discussed in the script?
-Digital identity refers to the persona that one projects on the internet, which includes images, comments, profiles, and any other content that they participate in or share online. It is the first impression people form about an individual before meeting them in person.
How is a person's physical appearance related to their identity?
-A person's physical appearance, including their looks, hair, and body shape, contributes to their identity as it is often the first thing people notice and judge, forming a mental image of who that person is.
What is the 'mirror effect' or 'virtual self' mentioned in the script?
-The 'mirror effect' or 'virtual self' is a concept where individuals see a version of themselves online, which may or may not be an accurate reflection of their true selves. It's what they want others in the online world to perceive them as.
Why is the idea of a virtual self important when interacting with others online?
-The virtual self is important because it influences how others perceive you online. It can affect relationships, interactions, and even opportunities, as people often judge and form opinions based on the digital persona presented.
How are employers using digital identity to assess potential employees?
-Employers are using digital identity to get a better understanding of a candidate's personality and values. They might search for a candidate's online presence on platforms like Google, Facebook, or Twitter to see their comments, criticisms, and social attitudes.
What is the significance of controlling one's digital identity?
-Controlling one's digital identity is crucial as it allows individuals to manage the image they present online. It can impact their personal and professional lives, as well as how they are perceived by others.
What steps can an individual take to consider their digital identity?
-Individuals can consider their digital identity by being mindful of the content they post, comment on, or share online. They can also review their privacy settings and periodically check their online presence by searching for themselves on the internet.
How can one check their online presence?
-One can check their online presence by simply Googling their name or using social media search functions on platforms like Facebook or Twitter. This will show what information is publicly available about them online.
What is the impact of a strong digital identity on personal branding?
-A strong digital identity can enhance personal branding by showcasing an individual's values, interests, and professional image. It can help in building a positive reputation and attracting opportunities.
What are some examples of content that contribute to one's digital identity?
-Examples of content that contribute to one's digital identity include images, comments, profiles, blogs, videos, and any other form of content shared or participated in on the internet.
Why is the script's mention of the commonwealth games incident relevant?
-The commonwealth games incident is relevant as it illustrates how a person's digital identity can have real-world consequences. In this case, a girl's social media comments led to her being dropped from plans for the event due to her perceived social attitude.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Digital Identity and First Impressions

This paragraph discusses the concept of digital identity, comparing it to how we form judgments about people's physical appearance in real life. It explains that our online presence, including images, comments, profiles, and the content we engage with, creates an impression of our personality on the internet. The 'mirror effect' or 'virtual self' is highlighted as a significant aspect of how individuals present themselves online, which may not always be an accurate reflection of who they are. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of controlling one's digital identity, as it can be the first impression made on others, including potential employers who might search for candidates online. It concludes by encouraging individuals to consider their online image and to check their digital presence regularly.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Digital Literacies

Digital literacies refer to the skills and competencies necessary to effectively navigate and use digital technologies and media. In the context of this video, it specifically highlights the ability to understand and manage one's digital identity. The script emphasizes the importance of being aware of how one's online presence can impact perceptions and opportunities, such as in employment.

💡Identity

Identity in this video is discussed in the context of both physical and digital personas. It is defined as the characteristics and qualities that make a person unique. The video script illustrates how people are often judged by their appearance and behavior, and this extends to their digital identity, which includes online images, comments, and profiles.

💡Judgmental

The term 'judgmental' is used to describe the tendency to form opinions or make judgments about others based on superficial or limited information. In the video, it is mentioned that people are quick to judge others by their looks and online presence, which shapes their perception of someone's identity.

💡Digital Identity

Digital identity is the online representation of a person, encompassing all the content they post, share, and interact with on the internet. The video script explains that this identity can be a mix of what one wants to show and what they actually engage with, and it can significantly influence how others perceive them.

💡Mirror Effect

The 'mirror effect' or 'virtual self' mentioned in the video refers to the reflection of oneself that one sees in the digital space. It might not always be an accurate representation but is what the individual wants others to see. This concept is crucial in understanding how people manage their online image and the impact it has on their digital identity.

💡Online Presence

Online presence is the extent to which a person's activities, content, and interactions are visible and active on the internet. The video script suggests that checking one's online presence is akin to googling oneself, which can reveal the digital identity that others might perceive.

💡First Impression

In the context of the video, a first impression is not just made in person but also through one's digital identity. The script highlights that employers and others often form initial judgments based on what they find online about a person, making digital identity a critical aspect of making a good first impression.

💡Privacy Settings

Privacy settings are tools provided by online platforms that allow users to control who can see their content and personal information. The video script advises considering privacy settings as a way to manage one's digital identity and control what others can see online.

💡Employers

Employers in the video are depicted as entities that look beyond traditional resumes and cover letters when assessing job candidates. They often search for candidates' digital footprints on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Twitter to gain insights into their character and suitability for a role.

💡Comments and Criticisms

Comments and criticisms are specific types of online content that can form part of a person's digital identity. The video script uses the example of a girl who made plans for a dance at the Commonwealth Games and received social criticism, illustrating how such content can affect one's perceived identity.

💡Control

The concept of control in the video script relates to the ability of individuals to manage and influence their digital identity. It suggests that by being mindful of what they post and how they interact online, individuals can shape the image that others form of them.

Highlights

Digital identity is similar to physical identity in that it is formed by how others perceive you based on your online presence.

People are judgmental and form impressions of others based on their looks, hair, body shape, and other physical attributes.

Digital identity encompasses everything you place on the internet, including information, research, entertainment, educational content, comments, bugs, images, and videos.

The digital identity reflects the personality you put onto the internet, similar to how you present yourself in real life.

Youth online and networks play a significant role in shaping one's digital identity, often referred to as the 'mirror effect' or 'virtual self'.

The virtual self may not always be a true reflection of oneself but rather what one wants others to see in the online world.

Employers are increasingly looking at digital identity as a way to understand a person's true character, beyond traditional resumes and cover letters.

A simple Google, Facebook, or Twitter search can reveal a lot about a person's digital identity, including comments and criticisms.

Digital identity is your first impression in the online world, and it can significantly impact how others perceive you.

You can control your digital identity by considering the image you are putting online with each comment, upload, and other interactions.

Privacy settings and checking your online presence, such as by Googling yourself, can help manage your digital identity.

The concept of a virtual self is crucial when considering how others perceive you online, as it can influence their initial impressions.

Employers are now using digital identity as a tool to gauge a candidate's fit for a job, making it essential to maintain a positive online presence.

The digital identity is not just about what you want the world to see but also about the content you participate in and the comments you make.

Understanding and managing your digital identity can help you make a better first impression in both personal and professional settings.

The transcript emphasizes the importance of being aware of your digital footprint and how it can affect your personal and professional life.