[Photo by Smart on Unsplash]

 

“We know what we are, but know not what we may be”.

William Shakespeare, Hamlet

While reflecting on my online presence through my visitor-resident typology map and reflecting on our readings, I have to admit I was faced with more questions than answers about my online persona. The complexity of our online presence is vast: from the identity of one’s online persona (or often multiple identities) (Schryver, 2013) to the attention, critical literacy, and participation considerations, raised by Rheingold (2010).

While I deliberately choose to remain a “visitor” in my online presence with my personal life, I recognize that in this interconnected networked society in the 21st century (Rheingold, 2010), cultivating one’s digital persona is possibly the primary venue we establish our identity and our voice.

As we live in a deeply participatory culture (Jenkins, 2009), consumption of information is definitely not enough. However, while we all can be contributors and creators, despite the “participation gap” (Hargittai & Walejko, 2008), it is important that we are contributing to the meaningful discussions and participate in the supportive networks, while we are finding our own voice.

That’s why when I think about a plan on cultivating my digital presence, I would like to reflect on the purpose of online engagement, community/networks, and context. While the notion of  “information consumerism” can have a somewhat negative connotation, I don’t necessarily think it is essential to become a “resident” without a clear and sound message and goal. As a MALAT student, my goal in online engagement is to expand my network and participate in the discussions by providing my take on the subject.

In order to achieve this goal, I would like to focus on two channels where my professional digital persona will be cultivated: my MALAT blog and Twitter. While I have not been an active Twitter user in the past, I find this tool is where I can find and relate to my professional network, while leaving most of my personal networks still within Facebook and Instagram.

With respect to the skills and knowledge gaps, I have identified several challenges. One challenge is establishing a network of knowledge workers according to my relevant discussions and interests, as well as focusing my professional interests to a narrow enough area, similarly to creating a “brand” of yourself. Another challenge is becoming “a critical consumer of digital media” (Rheingold, 2010) by being mindful of where I spend my time and to whom I give my attention in an online space. The third challenge I am facing has to do with my social media anxiety and the notion of validation. Does the comments/likes/retweets or shares (or lack thereof) make my participation in social media obsolete?

Facing these challenges will be definitely a growth process, and I plan to face them in the “safe” MALAT environment, treating it as an educational exercise. My success will not be measured by the feedback or reactions to my digital presence. I will consider myself successful when my participation will reflect my level of comfort with moving towards a “resident” part of the continuum in my professional capacity on social media, as well as by my enrichment through the process.

 

---

References: 

Jenkins, H. (2009). Confronting the challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century. MIT Press.

Hargittai, E., & Walejko, G. (2008). The Participation Divide: Content creation and sharing in the digital age. Information, Community and Society, 11(2), 239-256.

Rheingold, H. (2010). Attention, and other 21st-century social media literacies. Educause Review, 45(5), 14.

Schryver, K. (2013, February 5). Who are you online? Considering issues of web identity. The New York Times.