What is a digital identity? 

Digital Identity is a process by which people identify and sort their place in the society both individually and collectively through internet-based social interactions by utilizing online platforms and communication tools where individuals are able to find a sense of community and belonging through social networks.

How do personal versus professional approaches to digital identity affect social media use?

Professional identity relates to a professional self-concept of an individual grounded in attributes, beliefs, motives, values, and experiences. Through the article Digital professional identity: Dear Internet! Who am I? by Jawed, S. et al., a study conducted with medical students concluded that a robust group identity is linked to enhanced social support and improved well-being, but in the other hand, unhealthy group norms may engage the individuals in behaviors and activities that place their well-being at risk.  Literature also suggests that students are often unaware of the positive intersection of personal and professional identities during social networking.

Through digital identity, we need to prioritize inclusion and participation for those who lives in lower income countries and their access in identity. We also need to consider protection against discrimination, harm, control, and the individuals right to privacy. How we construct and use digital identities will determine how people are represented online and what opportunities they have access to.