Monday February 24th, 2014 in class Alec Couros talked with the class about digital citizenship and digital identity. These are two phrases I have been well aware of growing up in the era of technology. When Facebook started to trend globally there was a definite shift in the online experience. Using your name and pictures to identify who you were online to family, friends, and the world. Having the freedom to post anything you want, wether it be pictures, statuses, or a video that people just “have to see!” These are all things that seem harmless, but they are a big part of how you are portrayed online. The other scary truth about Facebook is you can’t control what goes up about you all the time. Friends and family have a role in your online identity too.
Thinking about how easily a picture can be taken out of context or a post can be perceived in the wrong way are concerning factors while on social media, but having to worry about what friends post about you is another stress. Alec said Monday, “There is no long “Digital” Citizenship and “Digital” Identity. There is just your citizenship and your identity.” Thinking about the way technology has changed and will continue to change makes that statement completely accurate. You can no longer in this time be immature on Facebook and Twitter, but expect it not to affect the way you’re perceived by others in the community. Who you are online is now a bigger first impression then face to face communication. Tweets, status updates, and pictures all play an important role on how you are perceived to society.
Social media is a great place to connect with friends, family, and meet new people, but you do have to be aware of the way you are representing yourself on the internet. Technology has opened new and exciting possibilities for us, but it has also created new problems in our society. In the movie The Social Network Erica Albright says, “The internet is not written in pencil Mark, it’s written in ink” (The Social Network, 52:56). That line has stuck with me and makes me think about the content that goes on the internet regarding myself.
Photo credit: The Internet is Forever: Tips for Managing Your Online Identity. Mochi: Empowering Asian American Teenage Girls. Retrieved February 27, 2014, from
http://mochima.com/blog/page/5/?p=shmbckppk
#ECMP355 #SocialMediaProblems
Blog post is dedicated to my brother Baker and our 17 year friendship