The Importance of Online Presence: A Reflection

An exercise that I recently completed was focused on social media presence. The result of this audit concluded that I have much to learn , and lots of space to grow

Social media platforms are a plenty. However deciding which ones to use may prove to be significant

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In the v landscape of the internet, one might say I've kept a relatively low profile. When you Google my name, not much appears in relation to my online presence. If you had asked me four months ago, my severely outdated LinkedIn profile would have been the first result.

However, now, if you add "Kingston" to my name, you'll find an article from my hospital about one of our programs, along with an old Men's league hockey profile. The latter took me by surprise! I had previously removed my LinkedIn profile due to its outdated information. My intention was to update it, but I never got around to it. Until now.

Let's dive into my digital journey a bit further. My last ten posts on my Facebook profile mostly consist of being tagged in my friends' pictures. As for my own posts, I would say I average about 3-4 per year. These posts are usually related to milestones or memories, such as weddings, birthdays, and pets. I am content with how this portrays me, as I am not an incredibly vocal person. I believe the reason I use a private account is primarily to avoid fake/spam accounts. I am indifferent to public posts; however, I do feel like I have less of a filter when discussions are private. I believe this is because people can often misinterpret or read into things when reading context versus having an in-person discussion.

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Facebook has evolved for me over the years. Initially, it was a platform for connecting with friends and sharing personal updates. However, now I mostly use it for the messenger feature. It's a great way to stay in touch and coordinate plans with friends and family. Additionally, I believe Facebook is a useful tool for staying updated with recent news not only from friends but also from the community. It also facilitates groups and events, making it easier to stay connected with local events.

As for TikTok, I must confess that I do not have an account. However, I've been a victim of what some call "Doom-Scrolling" through Facebook. I try to limit my screen time when I can, but I think my biggest mistake was putting my work email on my personal phone. The constant notifications can be quite tempting.

On another note, with the ban of Canadian news on social media, I've recently reverted to listening to podcasts while I walk my dogs and work around the house. It's been a refreshing change, allowing me to stay informed without the endless scroll.

In the end, my digital presence may not be the most extensive, but it reflects my desire for privacy and my preference for more personal, meaningful interactions. I have already started to update my LinkedIn profile after the realization hit from this audit.