PLN & Public Communications & Digital Identity

PLN & Public Communications

The social media platform I use most often is Instagram. Through Instagram, I connect with friends, coworkers, and sometimes people I don’t know personally. I use it to share everyday moments, keep up with work-related updates, and explore content related to my interests through information sharing and casual discussions.

I see a Personal Learning Network (PLN) as a personal network that supports learning through connections with people who share similar interests or goals. Within a PLN, people exchange messages, videos, and ideas to learn from one another and gain new perspectives. Motivation to participate in networked publics often comes from a desire to learn, connect with others, or simply from coming across content that sparks curiosity. Also, in today’s world, social media plays an important role in how people communicate and stay connected.

At the same time, public communication in these spaces comes with certain risks. Sharing too much personal information or strong opinions can sometimes make others uncomfortable or lead to misunderstandings. The idea of a “digital tattoo” also reminds us that online posts can stay visible for a long time, meaning past content may affect us in the future. There is also the challenge of misinformation, as not everything we see online is accurate, and it is easy to unintentionally spread incorrect information.

Despite these risks, the benefits of public communication are significant. Social media makes it easier to build new connections, discover useful information, and access services without being physically present. In a fast-changing world, the ability to quickly find information and learn freely based on personal interests is a valuable advantage.

Digital Identity

To me, digital identity reflects who I am now, who I have been in the past, and how I may be seen by others online. It exists continuously in digital spaces and is shaped not only by what I choose to share, but also by content that builds up over time.

I think it is helpful to separate personal and professional approaches to digital identity whenever possible. On a personal level, social media often feels more open and relaxed, making it easier to share everyday life and interests. In professional settings, however, people tend to be more aware of how they present themselves and how they may be perceived by others.

For example, I use Instagram to share aspects of my personal life and interests, LinkedIn to organize my academic and professional background, and GitHub to showcase my technical skills. While these platforms highlight different sides of me, in networked publics they often come together and shape a single overall impression.

When this convergence is consistent, it can help build trust and open up opportunities for learning and connection. At the same time, personal and professional identities can sometimes blur, which may lead to misunderstanding. Because the line between private expression and public expectations is not always clear, I believe it is important to be mindful of how digital identity is managed, not only for the present but also for the future.

Sharing a Song

Supermassive Black Hole – Muse