In an era where social media users routinely maintain secondary “finsta” (fake Instagram) accounts, burner profiles, and alternate online personas, a counter-trend is emerging: digital minimalism. While multiple accounts serve legitimate privacy and self-expression needs, experts argue that three key aspects of digital life—professional portfolios, banking, and phone numbers—function better when consolidated under one identity.
The phenomenon mirrors a global shift toward streamlined digital experiences. From Singapore’s Singpass national digital identity system to the EU’s eIDAS framework, governments and tech firms are recognizing the efficiency and security benefits of unified digital identities. For individuals, this approach reduces complexity while enhancing authenticity—a principle now being applied voluntarily by digitally savvy users worldwide.
The Portfolio Paradox: When Multiplicity Hurts Authenticity
For creative professionals, the temptation to separate “serious” work from experimental pieces across different accounts can backfire. “Recruiters and clients want to see the full spectrum of your capabilities in one place,” notes Jakarta-based digital strategist Andrea Wijaya. “Fragmented portfolios raise red flags about consistency—or worse, plagiarism concerns.”
Platforms like Behance and LinkedIn report that users with singular, well-curated profiles receive 40% more engagement than those with fragmented presences. The lesson? As Berlin artist Leon Schmidt puts it: “Your portfolio isn’t a highlights reel—it’s your brain in digital form. Show the messy process too.”
Banking’s Single-Account Revolution
Fintech advancements have rendered multiple bank accounts obsolete for most users. Digital banking apps like Revolut (Europe), DBS digibank (Asia), and Chime (U.S.) now aggregate accounts, investments, and payment services under one login—with layered security making duplication unnecessary.
“Biometric authentication and tokenization have changed the game,” explains Singapore FinTech Association’s Li Meng Wong. “Today, one well-secured account with transaction limits is safer than juggling three poorly monitored ones.” Indonesia’s own BRI Mobile even integrates e-wallets, insurance, and QRIS payments in a single ecosystem.
The One-Number Solution
The rise of multi-SIM phones once justified carrying extra numbers—but cloud-based solutions like Google Voice (U.S.), WhatsApp Business, and Indonesia’s Maxis OneNumber now provide separation without physical SIMs. “Dual numbers increase phishing risks and carrier costs,” warns cybersecurity analyst Maya Prabawa of Bali-based PrivyID. “A single number with smart call filtering is the adult choice.”
The Trust Dividend
As verified identity systems like India’s Aadhaar and Estonia’s e-Residency gain traction, individuals are discovering an unexpected benefit of unified digital identities: trust capital. “People engage more deeply with accounts that have history and reputation,” notes Oxford Internet Institute’s Dr. Emily Tan. “That ‘digital fingerprint’ matters whether you’re applying for jobs or selling crafts on Etsy.”
Reported by Bali Today
