When I think about what a digital identity is I believe it is a way that you represent yourself over the internet. A digital identity includes the platforms you choose to use, the content you post and the people you interact with. Your online identity is an extension of yourself and allows you to network and reach out to people all around the world. People tend to use a personal digital identity as a way to share information about their life and interests. It is a way for them to let their friends, family and followers see small glimpses of their lives. As well as a platform for them to share their personal interests and opinions. A personal digital identity tends to differ slightly from a professional digital identity (PDI). A PDI is defined as “professional identity that develops through internet-based social interactions by utilizing online platforms and communication tools” (Jawed et al, 2019). People tend to use PDI as a place of learning and communication in a professional setting. A professional identity is one where you can network with other people in your field or perhaps provide a platform to inform others of your business, research or allow you to teach. 

With social media becoming so popular some people might find that they have both a personal and professional digital identity. It would be important to keep those two identities separate from each other. That could mean that you have two different accounts on some sites in order to be able to keep the two apart. This would allow you to post thoughts or photos on an private account followed by people you trust and want to know about your life on a personal account. Then on the other you could have an account that might be set to open allowing you to get more traffic through your site to promote you professional outlook and ideas. There needs to be consideration of balance, privacy, and separation of the two personal learning networks in order to make sure that you are portraying the appropriate digital identity in the right setting. 

Reference

Jawed, S., Mahboob, U., & Yasmeen, R. (2019). Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I? Education for Health (Abingdon, England), 32(1), 33–35. https://doi- org.ezproxy.library.uvic.ca/10.4103/efh.EfH_232_17