Separating your online identities for personal benefits
I was browsing around Myspace the other day, and looking at local user profiles. Just killing some time before my day of work began. I ran across a profile that had an AIM user name in it, so I decided “why the heck not” and decided to send a message to this Myspace user. Seems innocent right?
We started talking and I mentioned a few things about myself. Just the basic information and it felt innocent. We were just getting to know each other by talking about fun things to do in the area, etc. Then he mentioned drinking, and I informed him that I did not do that because I am living a healthy lifestyle. He responded back with “You’re on a diet, I know already.” I was a little set back, because this is not information I had on my Myspace profile. He must have known me from somewhere else as well. So I asked how he was so sure, and he said “I searched you out on Google, I found your other profile on some website.” I didn’t really know how to respond. I felt rather taken aback. I was speaking to someone who obviously knew a lot more about me than I knew of them.
The internet is our box of secrets. Google knows them all. He was right. I was on another website where I had created a profile about my diet. All those pages do get indexed whether I liked it or not. It was my choice to display that information.
I figured how he could put two and two together so easily. My AIM screen name is the same one that I use for my diet profile. Heck, I use that screen name for everything. It seems as though I’m not too creative when it comes to my online identities. This is a fault on my end.
My 3 Online Identities
Each person carries their own roles in life. Some people are mothers, daughters, aunts, co-workers, friends, etc. We all behave differently in each role that we hold. In front of your friends, you can crack dirty jokes. But would you do that in front of your mom? Your boss? The standard response is “no.” We are proper in front of some, and free with others. However, sometimes the word gets around, doesn’t it? People talk, and when people talk, truths come out. Your name is mentioned and all gets known. Especially if you create enemies.
We also hold different roles on the internet. Some join different online networks and create friends. Since user names are our online identity, we hold them dear and tend to use them over and over again. Is this really the smart way to go about your online existence?
Since the internet is a virtual world, you can separate yourself from your different identities. This is only something I decided to do after the event that happened in my previous post. My Myspace and my healthy lifestyle world collided. Back lashing in my face. Since I feel rather off about the whole deal, I am going to separate my online identities.
1. My Myspace Identity
Many of my friends and family are on my Myspace. They are all kindly added as my friends, they are open to read my bio, and my journal. Of course this is the path that I chose. Am I going to act crazy and a fool on there? Well no. I aim to make those around me jealous. Only my positive thoughts will exist on there from now on.
2. My Healthy Lifestyle Identity
This is my dump box. The journal on this website is open for anyone and everyone to read. All my most vulnerable thoughts reside in this location. I am free, open, and use it for support. This is not something I just want out there in the breeze with my personal or professional identities.
3. My SEO world
I don’t mind if others find out who I am in the SEO world. In fact I want them to know who I am. But having a professional front will gain me trust and creditability. This is vital when it comes to future careers, current clients, and future clientele.
So starting today, I’m separating myself from the rest of the pack that is me.
