Positive Digital Reputation

What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.

                                                                                          - Abraham Maslow

To be honest, before this course I never considered my digital reputation. Everyone has been victim of a negative photo. It happens. It's almost unavoidable. Everybody has a smart phone, ready to record at the drop of a hat. But does one bad photo trump, the plethora of other favorable ones? It depends who you ask, and the setting. The most important element to sculpting a positive footprint is control.

As I thought deeper into the issue, I was flooded with fears of; How much control do I have? What is out there? The next step was obvious, I had to explore, track down what needed removal. When I Googled myself, I was pleasantly surprised. The first few links were to employment sites from past jobs. I came across old swimming records, but nothing stood out as inappropriate. Sure, others may have a different opinion and they are entitled to it. It comes back to control. Can I control the actions of others? No. Can I control other peoples thoughts? No. Do I care what other people think? 100% NO. Whatever is out there which others perceive as negative doesn't mean I can't do my job, and do it well.

However, can I control my own actions? Yes. Can I control my environment? Yes. Do I have balance? Yes. Technology is so influential today and this course has opened my eyes to the extent. Social Media sites like Facebook and Twitter are the main culprits as venues to destroy a digital reputation. One step to avoid that is an alias. Another is to avoid having a recognizable profile picture. Privacy settings give you more control. Beyond that, unfavorable material needs contact with the source.

I believe it's about balance, and perspective. Like the real world, there are differences between personal and professional reputations. The digital age enables things to be brought to our attention faster, in broader settings. I am comfortable with my digital reputation. Two perspective employers could have vastly different views. Much like two people having different opinions. I prefer to concern myself with things I can control rather than worry about those I can't.