Online Identity Reflection

Academic Compared to Social Online Presence

Computer mediated communication is different from face to face interaction. Nowadays, social media accounts share more about an individual than a professional interview. There are people who believe that social is a means to judge someone before they meet. Others believe that face to face is the only way to understand a person. Looking at my own social media, my personal accounts are different from my academic accounts. People look at my accounts online would agree that my academic personality is more professional and social posts are for entertainment. Nonetheless, I have chosen not to use social media as much as possible. Currently, I only use LinkedIn for professional development and Snapchat for personal entertainment. I found that the more social media I used, the more time I wasted watching others post instead of experiencing life myself. I would much rather be doing activities outside compared to staying on my phone. My presence online is more laid back than most.

During my use of Snapchat, I tend to only post adventurous things or activities instead of what my reality is normally. I try and compete with others who are doing other interesting activities. For example, when other people go to the beach and document that day, it makes me really want to go to the beach and show that I went as well. Maybe it has to do with my competitive nature, but it has to do with the fact that we always want what others have. I also found that after further in-depth reviews, I was way more likely to post a picture or video of someone or something else instead of a selfie. Insecurity perhaps; however, I tend not to take selfies in general. Other people would notice that I only take pictures with the lens out looking at landscapes. Some of my followers probably wish I took more pictures of my face. I think it is because I don’t understand why people would want to look at me. I like to share what I see online with my friends. For example, if I take a picture of a sunset, it’s because I want them to see what I experienced. Other people think I don’t like to take selfies.

I created my LinkedIn account for a professional presence online. I had to make this account because my school required me to make one for an assignment. After all, I am very glad that I made it. This social media site is dedicated to like minded experts. It helps people find jobs, connect with others, and see company’s success. My account on LinkedIn makes me seem very professional compared to my Snapchat account. My academic identity is more laid back where my professional persona on LinkedIn represent me better. I share information about my goals and expectations for my career on LinkedIn. Viewers of my accounts would agree that my account on LinkedIn shows that I have a goal to peruse in the professional realm. My Snapchat would offer a different point of view. People would assume that I love to travel and want to be a photographer.

Comparing my social media to my academic identity. Previous stated before, my laid-back tone comes from my calming personality. My academic personality online is represented less. The presence is either lacking or nonexistent. The only reason that I have an academic identity online is from class assignment or LinkedIn. Snapchat does not help my professional career in anyway shape or form. Academically, my online goals would consist of making my own business grow in the future. I want to have a company where people can look me up and understand what my goal and accomplishments are. I hope to achieve this from blogs, Instagram, and other branding social media outlets.