By Christopher Colon

We have grown accustomed to sharing a great deal about ourselves online, leaning into whatever feels convenient at the moment. Whether we use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for personal expression or LinkedIn for professional networking, maintaining a public presence has become part of our everyday lives. What we often overlook is how much we willingly disclose without considering our data and privacy. Social media platforms can disappear, and the truth is that these proprietary spaces ultimately control our data.

Although I see the value in connecting with different people and audiences through these platforms, I believe it is important to consider alternatives. No single platform can meet all of your online-presence needs, and not all platforms are designed with your best interests in mind. Taking agency over how you present yourself to the world is essential. I discovered the Knowledge Commons platform and gravitated toward it for several reasons. I am deeply interested in open educational networks and value the privacy of my work.

My research is multidisciplinary, and I have found it challenging to house all of my work on one platform. Knowledge Commons is a free platform that offers a collection of tools aimed at supporting and uplifting educational and research work—built by, for, and with the academic community. Similar to CUNY Commons, it can be used for classes, but it also connects to a broader academic network. I especially appreciate that I can build a website using WordPress. Creating a profile allows me to share a single URL that brings together my contact information, CV, and research interests. The site also enables me to host research papers, photographs, and links to other spaces where my work lives. We should all consider the importance of protecting our data and intentionally shaping how we present ourselves and our work to the world.

Look out for my Knowledge Commons workshop via GCDI in Spring 2026!