Who Are You Really? Safeguarding Your Digital Identity

By: Ava McKinley | Seasonal Public Relations Intern | Digital4Good

“Should I post this?” How many times have you asked your friends or family that question? When so much of your time is spent online, it’s normal to want to look and sound your best. However, problems can arise when the line between your digital identity and real life starts to blur. Many teens with digital identities struggle with issues like oversharing, inauthenticity, and data privacy attacks. 

But what exactly is a digital identity, and how does it impact our daily lives?

What Is a Digital Identity?

Understanding Your Digital Footprint

Also known as a digital footprint, a digital identity comprises all information about a user that exists online, including usernames, posts, search history, and apps. Essentially, your digital identity is composed of any online activity that is unique to you. Once something is tied to your digital identity, it is nearly impossible to remove. 

Potential Risks of a Digital Identity

Everyone who uses the Internet has a digital identity. The more detailed our digital identities become, the greater the risks. If we aren’t careful, our digital identities can compromise our personal privacy and security. Cultivating awareness of these issues will help you stay on guard against potential threats.

Lack of Privacy

Your privacy is at risk whenever you post personal information online, such as your location, photos of yourself and your loved ones, and major life events. You never know who will come across this information and use it to their advantage. 

This doesn’t mean you need to stop posting altogether; however, it is important to be mindful of what you put online and who can see it. To minimize unnecessary risk, set your profile as private so only family and friends can view and interact with your posts. Additionally, avoid sharing sensitive information online, such as your location, home address, and credit card information, in any circumstances, even if your profile is private. 

Identity Theft

Virtual identity theft occurs when a predator uses hacking or phishing methods to obtain your personal information, including passwords, bank information, and addresses. Once obtained, the criminal can misuse your information to make online purchases, open bank accounts in your name, and gain access to private medical records. This type of identity theft is extremely difficult to track and often occurs without the victim’s knowledge. 

Social Engineering

Like identity theft, social engineering is a tactic used to obtain your personal information. However, in a social engineering attack, the criminal will reach out directly to the victim (often via email, text, or social media) and manipulate them into divulging confidential data. To protect yourself from these scams, don't respond to messages from people you don't know, even if they sound urgent! If you receive any messages that you suspect are fraudulent, block and report the sender immediately.

False Personas 

For many, social media is meant to be a highlight reel of everyone’s greatest achievements and best looks. Unfortunately, this expectation may place undue pressure on teens to appear perfect online. As a result, teens may find it difficult to express their true selves, form authentic connections, and open up to friends about personal struggles for fear of contradicting the “perfect” digital identity they have crafted for themselves.

Managing Your Digital Identity

As digital technology becomes more prevalent in our lives, it is imperative that we take measures to safeguard ourselves against threats to our digital identities. The more you practice these habits, the healthier your relationship will be between your real identity and your digital one.

Tips for Safeguarding Your Online Presence

1. Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords and change them regularly.
2. Monitor Financial Activity: Check bank statements frequently for unauthorized transactions.
3. Be Mindful of Sharing: Think twice before posting personal information online.
4. Update Privacy Settings: Regularly review and adjust the privacy settings on your accounts.
5. Limit Screen Time: Set daily time limits to reduce overexposure to digital platforms.

Join Digital4Good’s Free Webinars

Looking to improve your relationship with technology? Digital4Good offers free monthly webinars on topics like digital safety, mental health, and managing your digital identity. These interactive sessions provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the digital world with confidence.