Tuesday, October 29, 2013
In our current day and age, the Internet plays a vital role
in all of our lives: it is where we conduct research, complete online
assignments, fill out job applications and, predominantly in todays culture, socialize virtually.
While social networking and online interaction with other people has been around since the birth of the World Wide Web, never before has it been so prevalent. While before, an “online persona” only extended as far as anonymous usernames in chat rooms, it is now much more public and widespread. Today, our virtual representations of ourselves reach a limitless audience comprised of real people who know and recognize us offline.
While social networking and online interaction with other people has been around since the birth of the World Wide Web, never before has it been so prevalent. While before, an “online persona” only extended as far as anonymous usernames in chat rooms, it is now much more public and widespread. Today, our virtual representations of ourselves reach a limitless audience comprised of real people who know and recognize us offline.
We are everywhere.
Currently, 90% of college students use Facebook, not to mention an ever-increasing web of other social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. At this critical time when we as students are constructing our public identity by showing the world what we have to offer, it is important to ponder the different ways social networking can affect our image.
Currently, 90% of college students use Facebook, not to mention an ever-increasing web of other social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc. At this critical time when we as students are constructing our public identity by showing the world what we have to offer, it is important to ponder the different ways social networking can affect our image.
74% of students reported
that their Facebook profiles were accurate representations of themselves,
suggesting that identity construction is a key consideration when determining
which information to post or not.
Often, our online profiles and our social networking
posts are the first things new acquaintances ever associate with us. “Looking someone up” has become a common
practice when creating relationships and connecting with people. It is safe to
say that we have all experienced a bad first impression of a person based on
their all-too-frequent Instagram selfies or their edgy political statements on
Facebook.
At this point, our online persona extends much further than the computer screen. As inconsequential as a simple status or tweet may seem, one post could have a far greater impact than we think.
At this point, our online persona extends much further than the computer screen. As inconsequential as a simple status or tweet may seem, one post could have a far greater impact than we think.
The effects are no longer merely virtual. Online behavior
has real effects on our authentic offline relationships.
How will you establish your online identity?
How will you establish your online identity?
