The freedom of an online identity, who can I be? Shall I be me?
So, I’m sure by now we all know just how easy it is to set up a social media account, whether that’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat – we’ve all set up at least one before.
When used properly with good intentions there are wonderful benefits to embracing your online identity.
Here are 5 benefits of your online identity;
Knowing your intentions when using social media is the first step when thinking of how to represent yourself.
Figure out whether you want your identity to represent your social life or professional persona.
With so many opportunities to be found online nowadays, the way in which you represent yourself can be very important.
For example, if you were looking for a corporate job and the employer checked your accounts to find lots of partying and negative comments it’s likely that they’d reconsider hiring you.
Similarly, if they were to find you using your accounts for professional purposes like networking or sharing information related to your work then it’s likely the employer would approve and consider hiring you.
Basically, when representing yourself accordingly online, you can use your social profiles as tools to create opportunities in the real world.
Expression is widely encouraged on social media and there’s various platforms and options out there to choose how you’d like to express yourself.
You may choose to express yourself through videos on YouTube, conversations on Twitter or pictures on Instagram- there’s loads more to choose from too.
Especially for people who have been victims of bullying in real life, expression online can be a safer as there is less judgment from others.
Less judgment? Some may beg to differ, because one word- TROLLS.
Of course, we are open to more judgement from others online but if you follow these ‘Self Defence Online: Top Tips’ there are ways you can protect yourself from hate before it gets to you.
It’s 2020 and easier than ever to take your hobbies to the next level.
No matter what you’re into whether its knitting or spitting bars you can make something more of yourself if you integrate your hobbies with your online identity.
Perhaps you have made something you’d like to sell or feel you have something positive to share with others, building your profiles around your hobbies will increase reach and sales.
Perhaps you haven’t found a hobby to suit you? Here’s where you can use your online identity to find one-
Every website you interact with has its own idea of your identity because each one you visit sees you and your characteristics differently.
So, put simply, the more you interact with things of interest, the more suggestions websites will give you of things which may appeal to you.
You can also like and share posts from people who are not well represented online, or who are doing something to tackle representation gaps.
Sometimes people worry what others will think if they like or share something a bit different, but there are lots of people doing great things online who we can all help to include and celebrate.
So, you’ve found what interests you and now you’d like to meet some likeminded people.
There are thousands of online communities and groups who interact daily, finding one another based off the content posted to their profiles.
This can be the perfect opportunity for you to start conversations, share knowledge on specific topics and broaden your horizons on things of interest to you.
Online communities can often be brought to life as many arrange meet ups and networking events-make sure you attend these in public venues ONLY and let others know your whereabouts.
It’s also a great tool in terms of growing your accounts as you can all interact and share content.
Some people like to represent themselves online as exactly who they believe they are or aspire to be as opposed to others whose online identity represents things they like, find funny or thinks cool.
An online identity can offer social benefits to people with physical and sensory disabilities especially. The flexibility of online media provides control over their disclosure of impairment, not typically an opportunity available IRL interactions.
Your online identity is not the same as your real-world identity because the characteristics you represent online differ from the characteristics you represent in the physical world.
You can be the best version of you online or you can be the most honest relatable version of you online.
Finally, it is about the freedom. There are no limits and no rules.
In a world where negatives are often dwelled on, let’s remember the benefits of an online identity.
Just remember-there are no rules, but good intentions should always be at the frontline and when used to its advantages your online identity can bring many opportunities.
Let’s work together for a better internet.
