Managing digital identity

This is the partial competence 2.6 in the competence area 2 “Communication and collaboration” of the Digital Competence Framework for Austria.

What is it about?

The competence area is about the ability to create and manage one or more digital identities. Important aspects are identity management and the knowledge about and handling of the data generated in the context of the digital identity.

What does it mean in practice?

Many people have at least one, but often more digital identities such as an email account or a profile in a social network. With the help of the digital identity, such an account and the activities carried out with it are assigned to a real person. For example, if you give likes on Facebook or join groups, a “digital reputation” is created over time, i.e. a certain impression that others gain of the profile or the person behind it. To ensure that this is an impression you want to convey and feel comfortable with, you should consider what you do online and in what medium. For example, posting very private photos publicly on social media can make you vulnerable in a professional context.

Why is that important?

The internet does not forget anything. Thus, any thoughtless comment or embarrassing photo can reappear, even if you have deleted it (e.g. if someone else captures it as a screenshot). This can sometimes have serious consequences. With some online services, it is also not easy to determine what information is being published. A regular check of the privacy settings is therefore essential to sustainably protect your digital identity.

Where can I continue learning?

On the homepage of fit4internet, you will find further background information on the Digital Competence Framework for Austria under the heading “Understanding”. In the section “Learning”, you will find learning offers to increase your digital competence.