Digital Identity

Digital Identity is a term we use to describe the persona an individual presents across all the online communities in which he or she is represented. This can mean everything from social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, to online shopping accounts and the information you use to access services such as Internet banking.

Although such activity is perceived as the preserve of the young, creating and using a Digital Identity can have many benefits for the older user – particularly those with limited mobility, or who are perhaps disenfranchised from long standing friends or loved ones. For this group, the online world offers the possibility of staying in touch and staying in control of aspects of their lives they may otherwise feel slipping out of their grasp.

However, concerns about identity theft, privacy and the challenge of simply using new technologies may be off-putting to the more mature user – and these are issues we seek to address in this one-day workshop event on Digital Identity at the University of Reading.

Through a series of presentations from both experts in the field of Digital Identity, as well as representatives from user organisations, the morning session will explore issues around having an online presence, from the positive impact of belonging to online communities to safeguarding your identity and information.

The afternoon session will comprise a series of activities designed to stimulate further thought and discussion about the potential benefits and pitfalls of having a Digital Identity for older people, as well as an introduction to current technologies for those with no or limited experience of them.

The event aims to raise awareness among older people, carers and organisations about the potential uses of Digital Identity to enhance quality of life and foster a sense of connection and community.

Please click for the workshop programme.

Please follow the links for presentations:

Shirley Williams - Who, what and web: what do we mean by Digital Idenity?

Ben Nunney - From Foxtrot to Facebook

Helen Keegan - How to Flickr: a tutorial on how to set up and get the most from
photo sharing and social networking accounts

Mike Parslow - Digital Identity: A retiring view