Digital identity is your identity that is out there floating around on the internet. It is created and usually infiltrated from digital technology such as social media and internet based activities. Well reading the “Split Image” article I read a sentence that really stuck with me, “Everyone presents an edited version of life on social media. People share moments that reflect an ideal life, an ideal self”. In this article they discussed Madison Holleran’s life and how it looked ideal. But in reality her life was not ideal. Social media hid the reality of her life and only showed her happy moments and accomplishments. This story brings the realization how everyone truly does or can just show an ‘edited version of life’.
“Her most pressing thought: If she quit, wasn’t she just a failure?” Kate Fagan. (2015, May 7)
In the TedTalk “How One Tweet Can Ruin Your Life”, Ronson states “Voiceless people realized they had a voice”. He talks about how people were posting and shaming themselves and others would comment on how they have done the same. This is using social media negatively. This information about you is now out there forever and it may come back to bite you in the future.
I chose Heidi Spetz to cybersleuth. I first started by searching her name on google and nothing came up for her so then I added where she’s from then more things started to pop up. I learned that she used to play soccer throughout her elementary and high school years. I also learned through google that she was in the Swift Current Regional heritage fair and was one of the finalists in 2017. I found her Edusite and all her posts she had made for this class. I found this interesting as I thought Edusite was more private and not something that would show up from a simple name search. Heidi’s social media accounts also popped up on my google search. I found her Facebook, Instagram, and Vsco. On Facebook I found her birthday, where she is from, where she lives now, and what University she attends. Her Instagram was private so I was unable to find anything on there. After cybersleuthing someone else, I am now realizing that EVERYTHING is truly out there for everyone to see.
Now thinking about how you can be so easily found on the internet is kind of scary. I am already very cautious of the things I post, share, or comment on but now after cybersleuthing someone else, I am now going to be more cautious than ever when it comes to using social media.
Hey Payton!
Its crazy how we can find out so much about a person from googling them! I googled my roommate and I was astonished by what I found out about her. It is always important to be aware of what you are posting on the internet so I am glad you are aware of what you post.
Ellie