Becoming digitally literate: Digital wellbeing and identity

Everyone who has been online leaves a digital footprint. This is the information the internet remembers about you and includes everything from online accounts to your social media profiles. Digital identity management is how you develop and manage your digital reputation and project yourself online. There are three main reasons you should maintain your digital identity

1. It shapes your reputation - it acts like a portfolio, highlighting your skills, projects and interests but outdated or inappropriate content could work against you
2. It protects your privacy - it's about knowing what information is out there about you and keeping it safe
3. It builds trust - a clear, cohesive digital presence helps others take you seriously and creates new opportunities

TIPS TO STAY IN CONTROL 

• Keep your profiles updated
• Check where you're visible online and make sure your presence reflects your current goals and achievements
• Check what's out there - Google yourself
• Stay secure - use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication 
• Think before you post - everything you share adds to your online image
• Review regularly - your identity grows with you, so check regularly and tidy things up if needed

JISC defines digital wellbeing as "the impact of technologies and digital services on people's mental, physical and emotional health."

Some skills and competencies that are important for helping to develop positive digital wellbeing include: 

• Maintaining positive relationships with others online 
• Critically evaluate information found online
• Looking after personal information online
• Maintaining an appropriate work-life balance when online
• Acting responsibly in digital environments 
• Avoiding digital distractions 
• Using appropriate digital tools 
• Communicating appropriately in different digital environments 

TIPS TO HELP IMPROVE YOUR DIGITAL WELLBEING

• Be mindful of screen time - track how long you're spending online each day and notice how it makes you feel
• Manage digital distractions - turn off non-essential notifications, use Do Not Disturb when studying
• Build screen-free time into your day - take regular breaks, especially before bed
• Curate your digital space - unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel anxious, pressurised or drained. Follow people and pages that inspire, inform and support your wellbeing
• Protect your mental space and privacy - keep your personal data private, and don't feel pressured to share more than you want to

JISC.(2019). Digital wellbeing. https://digitalcapability.jisc.ac.uk/what-is-digital-capability/wellbeing/#:~:text=Digital%20wellbeing %20%2D%20the%20impact%20of,and/or%20improves%20their%20wellbeing