Community Contribution #2

This week, I found the Visitors and Residents Mapping Exercise helpful and useful when thinking about my own PLN. Mapping out the different platforms I use and becoming more conscious of how I engage with them gave me a better understanding of my own digital identity. It also feels like a way to take back some control over how I present myself and how others may perceive me online. 

Currently, I keep my different digital platforms quite separate, depending on whether I am acting as a student, employee, or in my personal life. LinkedIn is the main platform I use that I would consider an institutional Resident platform, although I do not find myself on LinkedIn as often as I do on other platforms. When reflecting on the sources I use as an institutional Visitor, I thought of Google Scholar, PubMed, and scientific journal websites. They are important for my education because I search for peer-reviewed research, read evidence, and use reliable sources in assignments. 

In order to expand my PLN, I think I could connect my platforms more rather than keeping them so separate. I believe that by doing so, my digital identity could become more well-rounded. By having my digital platforms more intertwined, current and future employers may be able to see that I am a well-rounded individual, not only in a professional setting but also through my interests and engagement with my field. 

I think that, in today’s digital world, many people prefer to remain anonymous online, which is understandable and can be very important for privacy. However, showing appropriate aspects of yourself and your interests online can help show that you are a well-rounded person and may make you more appealing to employers. For example, people often turn their cameras off during work or school meetings, which can make it more difficult to build connections and communicate with others. When appropriate, choosing to turn on your camera and show your face can demonstrate confidence, engagement, and a willingness to participate. I believe everyone needs to find their personal balance between maintaining privacy and security and creating an authentic digital identity.

To make my platforms more connected, I can follow and interact with researchers, science organizations, laboratories, and professional associations on both LinkedIn and Instagram. I can also engage with posts related to research, lab opportunities, or careers in Neurobiology. Over time, I will build a stronger online presence by sharing academic achievements, relevant volunteering or work experiences, and scientific topics that genuinely interest me.