How to polish and protect your digital identity

TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2013 --- Social media has become a major part of our social and professional lives as Facebook, Twitter and other platforms enable users to connect and engage with others quickly and easily.. For students, it is important to learn how to use these tools effectively and avoid problems that can arise from misuse. Tang Choy, an employability support counsellor at Ryerson University’s Career Development & Employment Centre, shares her expertise on how to maintain a safe and positive on-line presence.

1.    Develop your personal online identity
Picture this: someone you know or don’t know decides to check out one of your social media accounts. What kind of online impression do you want to make? Pinpoint what you want to be known for, and build your digital identity around knowledge and/or interests that distinguishes you. Interact with others and share relevant information, articles, videos and pictures to develop your own online identity.

2.    Clean your cyber self
Do a digital cleanse by removing old posts, videos, pictures and contacts that might leave a negative impression. Remember: quality trumps quantity. Delete online accounts that you no longer use or maintain. 

3.    Be consistent
Be consistent with the message that you send across your online profiles. Maintain a positive and professional tone and avoid using social media platforms as an outlet for a bad day.

4.    Think twice before you post
Every time you post, you are contributing to your online identity. Certain posts can be a major turn- off to potential employers such as poor spelling/grammar, swearing, drinking alcohol, illegal drug use or sexual references. Use this analogy: would you be comfortable with your post appearing on the front page of a newspaper?

5.    Keep your profiles up-to-date
Manage your online presence by staying active. Make a habit of updating your profiles with your most current information.  Add new experiences, skills, achievements and credentials. Join and follow groups to share and receive the latest information related to your industry. Stay up-to-date so that you remain a “go-to” resource for your target audience.

6.    Change your privacy settings
Unsure about sharing your information and updates online? Most social media accounts will allow you to privatize your profile and/or posts. However, despite this "security", keep your personal brand in mind.  Once you post on the Internet, you create a digital footprint. You never know who in your network will decide to circulate your post.

7.    Google yourself
Regularly Google yourself to see what kind of results you get. Search your first and last name, current and old usernames, email addresses, previous places of employment and cities that you have lived in. Screen several pages of search results and images for negative content, and delete/remove any evidence that can leave a bad impression. 

EXPERT AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:

Tang Choy
Employability Support Counsellor
Career Development and Employment Centre
Office: 416-979-5000 x 4231 | tangchoy@ryerson.ca

MEDIA CONTACT:

Suelan Toye
Public Affairs | Ryerson University
Office: 416-979-5000 x 7161
stoye@ryerson.ca
@RyersonU