How do you create a digital identity?

2 Create your content

The second step to create a digital identity is to create your content. Your content is what you post, share, and comment on online. It can include your personal details, your educational background, your work experience, your skills and competencies, your achievements and awards, your opinions and insights, your feedback and recommendations, and your questions and challenges. Your content should be relevant, authentic, and engaging, as well as respectful and ethical. You should also consider the quality, quantity, and frequency of your content, as well as the tone and style you use. For example, if you want to demonstrate your digital learning competencies, you might create content that showcases your learning process, outcomes, and reflections.

3 Manage your privacy

The third step to create a digital identity is to manage your privacy. Your privacy is the degree of control you have over your personal information and how it is accessed and used by others. Managing your privacy is important for protecting your identity, reputation, and safety online. You should be aware of the privacy policies and settings of the platforms you use, as well as the laws and regulations that apply to your location and context. You should also be careful about what you share and with whom, as well as how you store and backup your data. For example, if you want to maintain your privacy, you might use different platforms for different purposes, limit your personal information, and use strong passwords and encryption.

4 Build your network

The fourth step to create a digital identity is to build your network. Your network is the group of people you interact with online, such as your friends, family, colleagues, mentors, peers, and influencers. Building your network is a way to expand your learning and career opportunities, as well as to support and be supported by others. You should be proactive and strategic in finding and connecting with people who share your interests, goals, and values, as well as in contributing and adding value to your network. You should also be respectful and courteous in your online communication, as well as responsive and collaborative in your online interactions. For example, if you want to build your network, you might follow and engage with relevant hashtags, groups, and events, as well as share and comment on others' content.

5 Monitor your impact

The fifth step to create a digital identity is to monitor your impact. Your impact is the effect you have on your online environment and community, as well as the feedback you receive from others. Monitoring your impact is a way to measure and improve your digital learning and performance, as well as to identify and address any issues or challenges. You should use various tools and methods to track and analyze your online activity, such as analytics, metrics, surveys, and testimonials. You should also use various strategies and techniques to enhance and optimize your online presence, such as keywords, hashtags, tags, and links. For example, if you want to monitor your impact, you might use a dashboard or a report to see how many views, likes, shares, and comments your content generates, as well as how it ranks on search engines.

6 Update your identity

The sixth step to create a digital identity is to update your identity. Your identity is not static, but dynamic and evolving, as you learn, grow, and change over time. Updating your identity is a way to reflect your current and future aspirations, achievements, and challenges, as well as to align your online and offline selves. You should review and revise your platforms, content, privacy, network, and impact regularly, as well as seek and act on feedback from others. You should also be open and flexible to new opportunities, trends, and innovations that might enhance or transform your digital learning and identity. For example, if you want to update your identity, you might add new skills or competencies to your profile, delete or archive outdated or irrelevant content, or explore new platforms or formats to showcase your work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?