Final Thoughts

Overall, from this project I take away the knowledge that everything and anything you do online is a component of your online identity. From various news articles to organizations, I learned the significance of my online identity and how everyone's online identity now affects their offline identity. This is a very prevalent issue in society, as it is contributing to all areas of our lives, that will not be solved anytime soon. The issue may only become greater as more social media sites are developed, more security concerns are brought forward and people increase the amount of time they spend living online.
While most people immediately think of their online identity as a negative aspect of their lives that they must attempt to hide from others and employers, there are many ways reasons your online identity should not be hidden, as discussed throughout the blog. Everyone must remember, myself included, that your online identity now is a significant aspect of of you are and how people are going to perceive you, therefore it is important to act as you should offline, respectful and appropriate. Always remember to be a safe online user and think about how you can use your identity is a positive way.

In Conclusion....

Never having a blog before, I never truly understood the use of this tool. In fact, upon completing this project, I was able to see the true benefits of having a blog post- especially for one's online identity. Many individuals use blogs to update their fan base on their travels, or their interests. Case in point, it is a great tool to be used as a portfolio. Gwenyth Paltrow is a celebrity who consistently updates her wildly successful blog, Goop. She comments on specific cities, and where to go when there, as well as recipes, and restaurant recommendations. I for one, love reading her blog, as it is a great way to obtain suggestions on places I've never visited!
This project was a great introduction into the blog world. It was interesting to me how a simple 200 word post about a current event or class discussion could be a captivating idea, even on a single topic-Online Identity.
Although I didn't find having a blog too strenuous, I don't believe I will continue to have one. This is because, I find that my interests lie in areas that my family and friends may not necessarily care for. My roommate, however, has a fashion blog, in which she loves to update regularly, as that is a true interest of hers. In fact, she is building it to add to her resume to ensure she has experience in the fashion world when applying for jobs later on.
I've learned that individuals can talk about anything on their blog, however as we've learned in class, they must be careful. Things posted on the Internet are there forever, so before writing an inappropriate comment, or starting a controversial post, think about who could be potentially reading your blog. However, I have also learned that blogs can truly be useful, for recommendations and suggestions.
Be careful what you post and have fun!

More than an Online Resume

LinkedIn has grown to be highly successful, allowing people to publish their resume online and connect with others. While everyone should have LinkedIn, depending on the type of work one does, some should consider going further than just publishing their resume online and instead develop an online portfolio. Many people are using Pinterest to their advantage to develop an online portfolio. The following article discusses how Pinterest allows you to build an interactive portfolio that showcases your talents in a unique way. By using Pinterest you can share snapshots that link back to your blog, samples of your work, articles or interviews you have contributed to and clubs or organizations you belong to, all while broadening the number of people who view your work. Pinterest allows you to showcase your work in addition to expressing your personality and interests. Check out the article to read the useful tips and points on developing a portfolio with Pinterest.

http://www.onwardsearch.com/Graphic-Designer-Jobs/careers/Graphic-Design-Portfolio/

Social Media Profiles for Companies

It is not only are students who are worried about their online identity, companies also put an importance on their online identity but for different reasons. It is crucial for companies to keep their online identity up to date as a company evolves. "How to Effectively Rebrand Your Social Media Profiles" is an article that discusses the appropriate steps that are necessary to take, should a company decide their online profile needs to be rebranded. Like any individual, a company can use various social media sites to create an online presence, such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitter and LinkedIn. Clearly communicating the company and changes that are being made is essential to ensure current customers remain loyal and new customers become attracted to the company. With people spending an increasing amount of time on the Internet it becomes more important for companies to use this platform to reach and communicate with its' customers. Read the article and learn about the three steps of rebranding a company's online profile.

http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/rebrand-your-social-media-profiles/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=linkedin

Online Applications and Identity Theft

How many times have you applied for a job through an online application? Today, online application systems are widely used by various companies. It is easier for companies to narrow their search for the right applicant, which is why we see more and more companies using the internet to post and accept job applications. As privacy is always an issue with the internet, it becomes a greater issue with people applying to jobs, as people are required to submit their resumes which include personal information.

Personal information, including phone number and address, is information no one wants in the wrong hands. Identity theft is a important issue that everyone must consider when applying online and developing an online identity. This information combined with the information thieves can find and access on social media sites makes identity theft much easier.

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation in the UK offers some suggestions to stay safe and help protect everyone from identity theft. Make sure to click on the link below to ensure you are being safe when applying for jobs.

http://www.rec.uk.com/jobseeker/jobseekercvs/protect-cv

Using Online Identities to Target Consumers

Have you ever signed onto Facebook and looked at the advertisements on the side panel? Have you ever been shocked at how well the advertisers seemed to know you? I definitely have. The coolest, and creepiest part of your online identity, is that social media websites and companies trying to advertise are able to tailor the ads to you!

That means, depending on how much information you publicize (your interests, your hometown, the city you reside in now, schools you’ve attended, your major, etc…), the more tailored the advertisements are. This is because the companies know more about you and what you’d be interested in buying.

In a marketer’s point in view, this is a great way to get the most out of your advertisements and thus, be the most successful. However, as the consumer, it makes me feel uncomfortable, as they know too much about me.

What do you think? Are you uneasy with what companies know about you? 

Using your Online Identity in a POSITIVE Way!

With Movember upon us, the month where many males grow moustaches to support prostate cancer, I started to think about how our online identities can be used in such powerful and positive ways.

Many of my friends that are trying to raise money and awareness for Movember, are using their online identities, (Facebook, Twitter, e-mail etc…) to promote the cause to all of their friends and try to raise money to meet their goal.

Although I’ve discussed many ways in which your online identity can be used in negative ways, using it to raise awareness and money for a worthwhile cause is definitely a positive way to use one’s online identity.

 Have you seen any of your friends post about their Movember pages? Have they posted about any other charities? I think it’s a great use of social media and definitely gets your message across, fast.  

http://www.thestar.com/living/article/1280705--movember-raises-funds-and-awareness-for-male-mental-health-and-prostate-cancer

What Does Google Know About YOU?

Have you ever tried to Google yourself? If you haven’t, I definitely suggest it.

The other day, I decided to do a Google search on myself including images and overall search. What I came across were old newsletters I was featured in, and links to my social media pages to name a few. Despite my high security settings on my Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, and Foursquare accounts, Google was able to display past and current profile pictures, as well as my friend’s profile pictures, and the exact link to my page. Although my name “Jade Zylberberg,” is quite rare which increases my chance of being featured on Google, I was surprised as to how much information there was about me.

Be aware when you post pictures, and sign up for any websites or accounts. You never know what Google will show of you!

A Simple Wave of the Hand

As individuals of a technology generation, we’re all used to creating passwords for our various accounts. We all know there are specific requirements and sometimes, one has so many passwords to remember, they become hard to keep track of. 

“The problem with passwords — we use too many of them, their rules are complex, and they differ for different websites.” That is why Intel has created a device to make our lives easier. 

Their prototype technology will recreate our online identity, as the individual will simply wave their hand to access their online banking, social networking websites and e-mail. This will all be done through a “biometric sensor that recognizes the unique patterns of veins on a person’s palm.”

Can you imagine waving your hand at your computer?

http://business.financialpost.com/2012/09/13/passwords-could-be-a-relic-of-the-past-if-this-intel-technology-takes-off/

Future Employers and Facebook

Labour laws in Canada prevent employers from inquiring about age, marital status, and personal information, such as your Facebook password. Just because Canada has these labout laws does not mean employers will not ask you for your Facebook password.

And while some employers may not ask for your password, they may ask you to log in during the interview or accept a friend request from the hiring manager while the interview process is still occurring.

Of course, several employers and job counseling firms, and Facebook have all stated that anyone faced with this situation should refuse to hand over their personal information. Some people worry that by refusing to give their passwords they will no longer be considered for the position, but they should be worrying if this is the kind of employer and company they want to work for? As well, if the company is asking for your password despite the fact it is a violation of privacy, what makes you think they haven’t already viewed it?

Although Canada has strict labour laws that respect privacy rights, should labour laws be formed that specifically address social media and the surrounding issues? Either way, more people than you think have probably seen your Facebook page, which is why everyone should be cautious of what they post and their online identity. 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/potential-employer-wants-your-facebook-password-just-say-no/article4096413/

The Importance of an Online Identity

When many individuals think of an online identity, they associate it with its negative aspects. However, as we discussed in class, an online identity can prove to be very important for oneself and one's business.

A successful online identity can promote oneself or an organization, and can prove to be helpful when trying to find a job or making connections. It is possible that a potential employer could do a simple Google or Facebook search, and their hope is to find positive articles as opposed to negativity (for example: slandering, use of illegal substances).

On the other hand, there are many instances where a potential employer has become suspicious that the individual did not have an online identity. It posed questions like: “Why don’t they have Facebook?” “What are they hiding?”

Therefore, when applying for a job (and on a regular basis), don’t necessarily change your name on Facebook to become “invisible.” Rather, maintain a positive online identity, by avoiding posting anything inappropriate.