Week 2: My Online Identity

I have been working with IT ever since my Bachelors Degree. Therefore, a lot of my work is conducted online. I am part of many social networks such as Facebook, Myspace, Gmail, Twitter and many more. All these social networks play different roles and provide different products and services to their users. I have utilized each of these networks to create an online identity for myself and to communicate with others that I share the network with. My name is different across the social network. I use some social networks in a more serious manner (eg. Facebook) whereas on others I may use my nickname. On Facebook, my name is Nana Owusu-Sarfo. However, on Myspace my name is Nanizzle. That's an example of how small factors such as name can affect the manner of how I usual social networks. Also, in my previous subjects I have created blogs and collaborated with fellow students to create large wiki pages on topics such as "privacy in social networks". 

When I'm online, I never reveal information that is very personal. In most cases, I will provide my previous education, name and a few photos for colleagues to recognize me. I tend not to mention my age, nationality, or address for privacy. Additionally, if I wanted others to get to know me, I dont provide these facts about me, so that they can ask and/or communicate to figure out and nevertheless build a relationship with the given person. Having an online identity is important because it can provide many facts about users such as revealing what users like, their hobbies and their beliefs. Additionally, users can provide their opinions online, while remaining anonymous for security measures.