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Cybertales: When your online identity speaks louder than your true self

Wesley Kuture

By Elizabeth Mafu

Tariro was intelligent, hardworking, and more than qualified for a prestigious scholarship aimed at supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Online, she told a different story. Her WhatsApp status was always active and packed with photos of her posing next to flashy cars in the university parking lot, snapshots from well-furnished friends’ homes, and stylish outfits she had borrowed just for pictures.

And her captions? “Kana mukarwadziwa neni hamupore.” (If my life is the source of your hurt, you will never heal.)

To many, she looked confident, successful, and untouchable. What Tariro didn’t realize was that she was building a digital identity—one that didn’t reflect her real circumstances. When the scholarship application opened, Tariro applied confidently. On paper, she met every requirement. But as part of the selection process, reviewers conducted basic background checks, including reviewing applicants’ public digital footprints.

What they saw raised questions:

  • A lifestyle that appeared financially comfortable
  • Frequent displays of luxury and confidence are inconsistent with financial need
  • Messaging that suggested pride rather than vulnerability

To them, Tariro did not appear to fit the profile of a financially-disadvantaged student. Her application was quietly set aside. Weeks later, the results were announced. The scholarship was awarded to another equally capable student, with a modest and consistent profile. Tariro was confused. Until a mentor gently told her:

“Sometimes, it’s not just what you write in your application… It’s what your digital footprint says about you. Be intentional; your online identity should align with your real goals. Perception is data. And data influences decisions.”

Cybersecurity Lessons

Your digital footprint is your silent reference letter.

  • Oversharing or misrepresenting your lifestyle can damage credibility.
  • Online content can be used for informal background checks.
  • What you post can be interpreted, rightly or wrongly, by decision-makers.

* The author is a lecturer in the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences

* Cybertales@AU is an initiative of Cyberguard, the cybersecurity club for Africa University

students in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Staff and students interested in

contributing articles are invited to submit their pieces using the following link:  https://url-

shortener.me/9Q6Q.