Our Digital Identity: Reimagined & Repurposed

By: Jenelle Juco | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

We spend our whole lives shaping our identities: how we perceive ourselves, and what we present to the world. But what if that could all be changed with a click? 

Two words: digital identity.

As our world becomes increasingly digitized, the international market for digital identity, as of 2025, stands at 64.44 billion dollars. Over 90 countries utilize foundational digital identity systems. Our complex identities can now be captured in digital personas, which allows for a broader than ever playing field of expression and creativity — though not without its costs. For instance, when was the last time you received a suspicious email or a spam call?

With ongoing issues like identity theft, tech fatigue, and the disconnect between reality versus online personas, it is important to understand what having a digital identity entails. 

The Formation of Digital Identity

As the first generation of “digital natives,” Generation Z is profoundly influenced by the world of technology that has grown alongside us. 

Individuals born in this generation often express themselves through a multitude of media, particularly social networking platforms. More so than previous generations, we publicize our lives online, capitalizing on the convenience of a world dominated by algorithms and instant gratification. According to Global Security Mag, 56% of Gen Z consider personal photos to be key aspects of their digital identities, and 50% consider videos to be as well.

Not only have our social lives become digitized, but our professional, educational, and financial spheres as well. For example, 62% of Gen Z view workplace emails as important parts of their digital identity.

Tech-Savvy Doesn’t Mean Safe

Unfortunately, the availability of data online makes it more vulnerable to misuse. Recent findings have shown that despite Gen Z being more technologically literate than older generations, they are more susceptible to online fraud and digital identity theft. According to TransUnion, recent reports show that Gen Z is four times more likely to fall for online scams than baby boomers.

Scammers have different methods for compromising personal data. Let’s explore the most common tactics used by bad actors.

Fake Promotions

Ever seen an amazing deal on a product that seemed too good to be true? Scammers often use fake deals to market counterfeit products. They might use domains that spoof reputable brand names to trick customers into inputting their credit card details and addresses. 

Phishing Messages

These are texts, calls, direct messages (DMs), and emails that claim to be sent from reputable companies or people you know. They will often get you to click a fraudulent link, send them money, or give them personal information.

Impersonation Accounts

Some scammers will create social media profiles using your friends’ or family members’ names and photos in order to impersonate them. They will then send DMs from the fake account, asking for personal information or sending links with infected attachments. 

Protecting Our Digital Identity 4 Good!

As internet scams become more prevalent, it is crucial to keep ourselves and our loved ones informed and aware. Here are a few things you can do:

• Minimize Your Digital Footprint: Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media and other online platforms. Review and update your privacy settings.

• Use Authentication Services: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA), such as passkeys, whenever possible. Take advantage of password managers, which can help you create and save unique, complex passwords for each website you use. 

• Secure Your Devices: Regularly update your software, browsers, and applications. Always use the most recent antivirus/malware programs. When handling sensitive data, such as entering credit card details or logging into your bank account, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks. 

• Report Fraud: If you or someone you know falls victim to an online scam, you can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Some platforms, such as email services or banks, have built-in reporting tools you can utilize. 

When so much of our time is spent online, awareness of the possible risks we may face is crucial. However, we don’t have to go through it alone. It’s important that we work together to foster a community that champions and promotes digital safety. 

At Digital4Good, we’re empowering students with digital citizenship and literacy skills to protect themselves and others from online harm. Check out our Students4Good community to connect with other likeminded student changemakers working to make the digital world a safer place, one post at a time.