Rethinking Learning Networks and Online Privacy

In the age of digitalization, how we construct and maintain our professional identities online has become an important issue in the modern workplace. This is especially true with the popularity of online platforms in our lives, from the instant interactions of social software to the scholarly exchanges of academic portals, which provide us with platforms to present ourselves and interact with others. However, such digital presentation is not only about how to display our CV or academic results on the Internet. It is also about how to maintain consistency across multiple platforms, how to build trust through authentic and insightful interactions, and how to protect the privacy and security of our data. How we manage our digital identities is especially important when we consider that possible employers will also be looking at our online presence when hiring. Not only will this affect our career progression, but it will also have a profound impact on our day-to-day interactions

What digital platforms do students currently use to develop their professional networks?

LinkedIn: This platform is a digital resume that provides a space to highlight academic achievements, careers, and peer recognition.

Twitter: In addition to being a microblogging site, Twitter has morphed into a hub for professionals to exchange industry-specific knowledge.

Academic portals: Professional websites dedicated to the academically oriented public enable the free flow of academic papers.

Professional platforms: Depending on the area of specialization, you may find students actively participating in niche platforms.

What should students consider when expanding their professional learning networks?

Multi-faceted participation across different platforms is crucial, not to be limited to just one network environment, to achieve diversity and synchronicity

It is important to actively contribute and participate, otherwise, mere presence is useless. While the digital realm offers a plethora of opportunities, one should not shy away from traditional socializing. Remember that the depth of relationships often trumps mere quantity. Finally, take care to protect your data privacy and security

How does data privacy and security limit and/or facilitate PLN?

Benefits: An enhanced digital environment promotes transparency and candid interactions, and when data privacy is guaranteed, users may be more willing to share high-quality, in-depth content, thus improving the quality of PLN.

Disadvantages: Data security risks may cause individuals to be more conservative on the network and reluctant to share their knowledge, experiences, or resources.

How do you create a digital identity/reputation within your network?

First, you need to define what image you wish to present online and what your core values are. This will form the basis of all your online activities. Then choose the right platforms, selecting the ones that best reflect your professional and personal attributes based on your goals. Regardless of which platforms you choose to use, make sure your username, avatar, and profile are consistent across all platforms This helps people to recognize and remember you, regularly post content related to your profession or interests that resonates with like-minded people, and respond positively.

When we apply for a job with an employer and they assess our social media presence through our digital identity, their response will be considered in terms of a few things:

Professionalism: employers may first look at your image on professional platforms to see if it fits the company’s needs.

Social Behavior: on more private social media platforms, employers may look at your behavior, how you interact with others, and the type of content you share to assess your personality traits and values.

Online reputation: determine if there is any negative content or feedback.