Personal Digital Identity vs Professional Digital Identity

Digital visitor and resident map

In this week’s activity, the V&R model explains that people do not just “use” the internet in one way. Instead, we move between being visitors, who use online tools to complete tasks, and residents, who interact and build an online presence (White & Le Cornu, 2011). Creating my own map helped me better understand the difference between my personal and professional digital identity.

In this week’s activity, we used the Visitor and Resident(V&R) model to understand that people do not just “use” the internet in one way. Instead, we move between being visitors, who use online tools to complete tasks, and residents, who interact and build an online presence (White & Le Cornu, 2011). Creating my own map helped me better understand the difference between my personal and professional digital identity. It showed me that my online presence is shaped not only by the platforms I use but by how visible and interactive I choose to be in each space.

Looking at my map, I noticed that I am more of a resident in personal spaces like Instagram. I interact with friends, share parts of my life, and maintain an online presence there. In contrast, I use Brightspace in a much more visitor-like way. My purpose is to access course materials, submit assignments, and check announcements, rather than build a social presence. This shows how my level of interaction changes depending on whether a space is personal or academic. LinkedIn is interesting because it sits in the professional area of my map, but I currently use it more as a visitor. I browse and read rather than actively post, which shows that my professional online identity is still developing.

What digital platforms are students currently using to develop their professional network?

Students today use a variety of digital platforms to develop their professional networks. LinkedIn is one of the most important spaces because it allows students to connect with professionals, explore career paths, and share achievements. Academic blogs and course platforms also support professional identity by allowing students to share ideas and learning publicly. Even platforms like Instagram or YouTube can contribute to a professional presence if they are used to showcase skills, creative work, or academic interests. These platforms help students move from being just consumers of information to active participants in professional communities (EDCI 338 Course Materials, 2026).

What could the student consider in expanding their professional learning network?

To expand my professional learning network, I could become more active in professional digital spaces rather than only observing. For example, I could update my LinkedIn profile, share academic projects, and connect with people in fields related to my interests. Participating in discussions, commenting on posts, and joining groups would also help me move from a visitor to a resident in professional communities. Being more intentional about how I present myself online can help me build meaningful connections and opportunities for the future (EDCI 338 Course Materials, 2026).

Consider in your blog submission how an employer would respond if you applied for a job with them and they assessed your social media presence via your digital identity.

If an employer assessed my social media presence, they would likely see a mostly positive and controlled digital identity. My personal social media reflects normal interests and friendships, while my academic and professional spaces show my learning and communication skills. I am also careful about what I share publicly, which reflects the importance of managing privacy and digital footprints discussed in the Digital Tattoo resources (Regan & Jesse, 2019). However, this reflection made me realize that everything I post contributes to my long-term digital footprint. Being mindful of privacy and professionalism online is important because employers often review online presence when making hiring decisions (Regan & Jesse, 2019).

References

White, D., & Le Cornu, A. (2011). Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday.
Regan, P., & Jesse, J. (2019). Privacy and Surveillance. Digital Tattoo.
EDCI 338 Course Materials. (2026). PLN and digital identity resources.