Thing 20: Digital Wellbeing
It is important to consider your mental wellbeing when participating in online spaces, and to protect our boundaries, both when learning and socialising online.
Jisc (a not-for-profit UK company that provides network and IT services and digital resources in support of further and higher education institutions) defines as digital wellbeing as “the impact of technologies and digital services on people’s mental, physical, social and emotional health”.
Ways to Prioritise your Digital Wellbeing
Top tips for prioritising your digital wellbeing include:
- Use wellbeing controls – Are you using technology consciously or is the way you use technology a habit? Are you spending time on screens which could be better spent doing something else (like sleeping, eating with your family, or even just being bored)? Many devices and platforms now offer options that help you manage the time you spend online. If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to separate work and study from your down time, simply turning off notifications or activating “do not disturb” can make a world of difference.
- Set your own boundaries online – Being constantly bombarded by news reports and social media posts can take a toll on your mental health. What are you reading, digesting, or receiving from being online? Does it make your life better? If you’re feeling anxious or fatigued, setting your own boundaries online might help you manage your digital wellbeing. Only engage with what you’re comfortable engaging with online and take regular breaks from social media if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
- Be an active bystander (if it is safe for you to do so) – With so much activity happening online, it’s important that we support one another in virtual spaces. If you’ve witnessed cyberbullying behaviours online you can report the issue to the platform, though sometimes even sending a personal message to victims of online harassment can make all the difference.
Click here for Safer Internet and Reporting Resources
Building Better Digital Habits for Focus and Wellbeing
In this LinkedIn Learning course, instructor Chris Flack guides you through the impact your digital habits have on your work performance and well-being—including the effects of being reactive to technology, task switching, information overload, and always-on culture.
Watch the three short videos from this course:
- Understand the impact of task switching on focus (2m 34s)
- Take your digital habits inventory (3m 20s)
- Upgrade your digital habits using simple tools (2m 29s)
How to complete Thing 20
Step 1
Work your way through either the tips for prioritising your digital wellbeing, or the activities associated with the three videos linked from LinkedIn Learning course ‘Building Better Digital Habits for Focus and Wellbeing’.
Step 2
Write a blog post with you answers from either of the activities. Has this task motivated you to make any changes to improve your digital wellbeing?
Further Resources
Definitions and background on digital wellbeing
General Safer Internet Resources
Wellbeing Services at the University of Edinburgh
Thing 21: Professional Social Presence
A professional network service is a social media platform that primarily supports professional profiles, connections and interactions.
Linked began as an online CV platform where jobseekers would create a profile and post their resumes to gain the attention of potential employers. On the platform you create a profile and provide information on your employment history, skills, and CV details. You can then ‘friend’ known colleagues and professional contacts to improve networking in your field and to build reputation and vouch for each other as skilled professionals. Connections can also be developed by participating in groups and discussions.
LinkedIn allows you to follow individuals, intuitions and groups, find news and events with LinkedIn Groups, share examples of your work, display Open Digital Badges on your profile, and much more.
The University of Edinburgh Careers Service has created some useful resources:
- A video Getting the most out of LinkedIn
- An example student LinkedIn profile
- A case study of one student’s LinkedIn experience
The University of Edinburgh has a LinkedIn page, as well as many of the Universities schools, departments, research and activity groups:
- Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA)
- University of Edinburgh Business School
- University of Edinburgh Entrepreneurs
- School of Divinity at New College
- The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies
Linking up with LinkedIn Learning
an extensive library of high-quality video courses in business, creative and technical skills. The University of Edinburgh has a campus-wide licence, offering staff and students unlimited access to the service via the web and mobile apps.
If you have a personal LinkedIn account, you can choose to connect it with your University LinkedIn Learning account for a more personalised learning experience and access to a range of additional features. Connecting accounts is completely optional and those wishing to use LinkedIn Learning without owning or connecting to a LinkedIn profile can do so without issue. Connected accounts can be disconnected anytime.
Connecting your LinkedIn profile and Learning account
How to complete Thing 21
Step 1
Work your way through as much of the Learning LinkedIn for Students course on LinkedIn Learning as you wish.
Step 2
Write a blog post sharing your thoughts on the use of LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning and whether you will make use of the platform or service while completing your studies.