Digital Identity
If you use a phone, iPad, game system, or a computer to play games and chat with friends, you have a digital identity. In other words, you have an identity that is related to how you look, what you do, and what you say when you are using the Internet or cellular service.
Volume
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the amount of information there is about you on the Internet
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Relevancy
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the usefulness of the information that exists about you and how consistent that information is with who you say you are and what you claim to value
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Purity
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the quantity of information in an Internet search of your name that is about you and not someone with a similar name or similar interests. In other words, how unique are you in an online search?
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Diversity
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refers to the variety of outlets with search results about you. In other words, Do you have a website? Can you be found in real-time content (Twitter)? Are there images or video of you online?
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Online ID
Managing your online identity is crucial to your reputation, but first you have to know what kind of information exists about you on the Internet. To find out, follow these simple steps:
Step 1
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Find a computer that you do not normally use. This could be a computer at school, a local library, or it could belong to a friend or other family member.
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Step 2
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Using two different search engines (For example, Google, Bing, or Yahoo!) enter your name, first and last with quotation marks into the search bar. It is important to use quotation marks around your name to conduct the search (For example, "Luke Skywalker").
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Step 3
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If you have a common name like "John Smith" or "Mary Thomas", add your hometown to your name to make sure you are finding YOU and not someone else.
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For each of the two searches, answer the following questions:
Search engine results can change quickly, so it is important to monitor your online identity regularly. That way, if information is posted about you that are inaccurate or untrue, you can address it immediately. It is important that YOU Control the Message.
- What is the total number of responses the search returned? (You will find this number below the search box)
- What is the total number of responses on the first page of results?
- Now go back to the first three pages of your search results and total up the responses that are NOT about you. (They are about someone else with your name.) What is the total number of results NOT about you on the first three pages?
- Do you have a personal Web site or blog? Did it appear on the first page of the results?
- Did any pictures or videos of you show up on the first three pages of the search results?
- Did your facebook page show up in the search results?
Search engine results can change quickly, so it is important to monitor your online identity regularly. That way, if information is posted about you that are inaccurate or untrue, you can address it immediately. It is important that YOU Control the Message.