Visitor and resident maps allow individuals to take a look into both their professional and personal digital identities and reflect on whether they are leaving behind a social presence (residents), or whether they are using these tools simply as a means to accomplish tasks (visitors) (White, 2017).
Digital platforms such as Linkedin, DropBox, and email (among others) tend to have a more professional reputation; many individuals use these forms of media to find, develop, and maintain professional connections. For many students, these platforms are a great way to dive into and expand one’s professional learning network. Indeed is one example of a digital platform that personally I use institutionally, however am not necessarily a resident of. This particular platform helps individuals who are looking for work discover job opportunities, something that obviously may be periodically used as a tool to accomplish the task of finding employment. Personally, I have developed my personal digital identity quite extensively, being quite active and connecting with others on social networks such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. My professional digital identity however has not been developed as extensively which is something I am wanting and needing to further expand.
Privacy and security has the ability to protect one’s personal digital identity from their professional one, acting as a censor between an individual’s social life versus their work/institutional life. This censoring limits inappropriate crossover between one’s professional and personal learning network. It is important however to balance these two identities. For example, you might not want your boss to see pictures of you on social media partying with friends out at the club. However, showcasing work gatherings or events via personal social media may be useful to showcase your involvement and connection to your company.
References
White, D. [University of Oxford]. (2014, Mar 10). Visitors and Residents. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPOG3iThmRI
sarahholman
29 May 2022 — 1:56 pm
Hi Kaitlyn! You and I seem to be at very similar points in terms of resident maps and what we use social media for. I am also wanting to expand my professional social media identity in order to benefit me further down the line. Nice work!
sarahholman
29 May 2022 — 1:56 pm
Hi Kaitlyn! You and I seem to be at very similar points in terms of resident maps and what we use social media for. I am also wanting to expand my professional social media identity in order to benefit me further down the line. Nice work!
abronson1
30 May 2022 — 3:43 am
Hey Kaitlyn! I enjoyed reading your post. I really connected with the idea of an underdeveloped professional online presence. What are aspects of your professional presence that you’d like to strengthen? Personally I feel like my LinkedIn could use work!
Great post!