Digital Identity: Fear of Posting on Social Media

F*ck the internet!

No, really.
 
I love the internet most days because it gives us easy access to information. You can find an answer to almost anything simply by Googling or visiting YouTube University.
 
But…
 
I hate that we are so dependent on it.
 
We are overloaded with information (good and bad) and can’t seem to get enough of social media.
 
Additionally, some people hide behind the internet and feel they can say anything regardless of who it will hurt.
 
The internet can be a cruel place.
 
But…
 
The World Wide Web makes life easier.
 
From online shopping, banking, news, travel, and job research, the internet plays a pivotal role in our day-to-day lives.
 
But…
 
The internet is permanent. And here lies the real problem most of us have.
 

When you get down to it, the fear of posting anything on the internet is just as scary as the miserable keyboard warriors who think it’s okay to say mean things to people just because they feel like it. Knowing that something you posted years ago can come back to haunt you is downright frightening.
 
Recently, Virgil Brewster sent an email with the subject line “Digital Identity.”
 
In the email, he talked about everybody raving about personal brands and then asked, “But what does that even mean? Do you have to pretend that you’re someone you’re not?”
 
Virgil added, “As of right now, you cannot win in the Creator Economy by copying or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s not enough to be a ghostwriter, a growth specialist, or a digital writer. It’s not even enough to be a guru. You have to have a legitimate, fully realized Digital Identity, which means you need to become someone.”
 
The last sentence struck a nerve with me.
 

 
Aren’t we all someone already?
 
Yes, we are, but who you are on the internet is what everyone seems to want to know these days.
 
After working with talent and influencers for years, it’s becoming more prevalent that people look to your Instagram and Twitter accounts to learn more about who you are as if that validates you.
 

Sure, having a lot of social media followers is great, but does it mean you’re a nobody if you don’t? Hell no!
 
I’m EVERYTHING in real life (IRL), and so are you!
 
But…
 
Getting your personal brand and digital identity in order is important because it is how you represent yourself online. Who better to create your brand IRL or online than you?
 
Virgil believes, “When you know who you are online, you’ll build an audience and sell your products and services effortlessly.”
 
However, I’ll take it a bit further and say this: When you stop being afraid to show up and show the world who you are, you’ll build an audience and sell your products and services effortlessly.
 
Who are you?
 
What do you want to be known for?
 
What do you want to share about yourself online?
 
What is your purpose for developing a digital presence?
 
Let the answers to these questions help guide you as you build your digital identity. After all, your digital identity is publicly visible online with your name. So share accordingly.
 
You don’t have to be in all places, and you don’t have to share everything, but you should be consistent.
 
The internet is scary. You will have some haters.
 
But…
 
You shouldn’t be afraid to be who you are, whether posting online or showing up in real life.
 
You are someone special, and there is someone who appreciates who you are.

 
 
 
Notes: Personal Growth, Personal Development, Personal Branding, Self-Improvement, Self-Help, Motivation, Mindset, Digital Identity