Chapter 1: The Challenge of Privacy in Digital Storytelling

In the realm of digital storytelling, the question arises: Can you build an online presence without sacrificing your privacy? This reflection stems from a harrowing experience with a stalker, which profoundly impacted my approach to sharing personal narratives online.

"Are you grateful to be alive?" he asked menacingly, imitating a character from a horror film.

This chilling question, posed during my last phone call with a stalker in late 2017, left me shaken. The preceding weeks had already been fraught with anxiety due to a series of unsettling calls that escalated my fears.

To summarize briefly, it all began when I received a call from someone who claimed to be a doctor from my psychiatrist's office. Despite his knowledge of my medical history, his request for my first and middle names—my online identity at the time—raised immediate red flags. He claimed my doctor was concerned, which was puzzling given that my last appointment had gone well. As he proceeded to ask invasive questions, I realized he was likely an imposter and ended the call.

An investigation by the hospital concluded that my doctor had not authorized any calls to me, and despite numerous subsequent calls from the same individual, I ultimately changed my phone number and never discovered how he obtained my contact information.

At that time, I was starting to find my footing as a mental health advocate, with an expanding blog, Instagram following, and public speaking engagements. However, after the incident, I erased everything and withdrew from the online world for over six months. I tightened the privacy settings on my social media and altered my usernames to regain a sense of safety.

Ultimately, I chose to re-enter social media, creating a new Instagram account just before my endometriosis surgery. Although I had reservations, I craved community support to navigate my misunderstood chronic illness and felt compelled to advocate for change within that space.

Since then, my journey as a public health advocate has been a mix of excitement and challenges, particularly in light of my traumatic experience. I have since learned to strike a balance between visibility and privacy, and below, I share strategies that may help you connect online while safeguarding yourself.

Section 1.1: Prioritizing Personal Safety Online

To ensure your safety in the digital landscape, it's crucial to understand the platforms you engage with. Familiarizing yourself with security measures can prevent hackers from exploiting your private information.

Over the years following my incident, I have invested time in learning about digital security as it relates to my advocacy work. I adopted several strategies to feel secure in both my brand and personal safety, including:

• Utilizing strong, unique passwords for each account
• Regularly changing those passwords
• Activating two-factor authentication
• Using fingerprint scanning when available
• Avoiding public Wi-Fi networks whenever possible

Subsection 1.1.1: Reevaluating Information Sharing

In the age of digital communication, avoiding an online presence is impractical, especially for those in advocacy or related fields. Social media serves as our networking tool, akin to a resume or business card. Thus, rather than withdrawing completely, I have adjusted my approach to online engagement and developed coping strategies to navigate the uncertainties of connecting with strangers.

Finding a balance between authenticity and oversharing can be challenging. To maintain this equilibrium, I adhere to specific guidelines:

• I avoid publicizing my current location until after I've left.
• I refrain from naming my healthcare providers or institutions to protect my privacy.
• I only use my first name online and have adopted a pseudonym for my last name.
• I keep my neighborhood confidential while still sharing my city.
• I limit personal details to my own experiences, steering clear of discussing my family or friends’ situations.

Chapter 2: Advocating for Systemic Change

As Dr. Nili Kaplan-Myrth wisely stated, "If we don’t talk about it, then it becomes this hidden thing that I have to deal with myself." During the pandemic, many physicians took to social media to share their expertise and advocate for public health changes. However, this exposure often led to harassment and threats, especially regarding vaccine discussions.

Watching this unfold prompted me to reevaluate my own situation. It is unjust to suggest that personal behavior must change to avoid danger; instead, we need to champion safer online environments.

In response to increased harassment, both the U.S. and Canada have introduced legislation for STIR/SHAKEN technology to authenticate caller IDs. This would have been invaluable during my ordeal, as my stalker spoofed the psychiatric hospital's number.

It is crucial to continue advocating for enhancements in digital safety measures. While we can take steps to protect ourselves, the responsibility should not solely rest on individuals. Social media platforms must improve monitoring and regulation, and governments should enact stronger protections for users.

The first video titled "How to create a Privacy Policy for your Website in 3 Steps | Roy Digital" provides essential insights on crafting a privacy policy that ensures your online presence is secure while you build your brand.

The second video, "5 Secrets to Bulletproof Your Online Reputation," shares strategies on how to safeguard your reputation in the digital landscape, especially for those advocating for sensitive issues.