Digital Footprint |
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C. Costello. (2015). Digital Footprint [Image].
What is a Digital Footprint?
A Digital Footprint is the record of your interaction with the digital world.
You leave a trail of your digital footprints whenever you use technology online. This includes digital cameras, smart phones, iPods, tablets, laptops and computers.
Your footprints contains bits of information about you. They could include your name, nickname or other personal information like your date of birth or address. They could let people know about what you like, are interested in and the things you like to do. Some of this information we leave out there knowingly, other things we may not even realise we have left.
A Digital Footprint is like an invisible report card that accumulates over the years and is a general reflection of our online activity.
In order to create a positive Digital Footprint, it is critical that we understand the permanency and implications, both positive and negative, of our online actions on our online identity.
You may not realise but you already have a digital footprint.
Watch the video below
A Digital Footprint is the record of your interaction with the digital world.
You leave a trail of your digital footprints whenever you use technology online. This includes digital cameras, smart phones, iPods, tablets, laptops and computers.
Your footprints contains bits of information about you. They could include your name, nickname or other personal information like your date of birth or address. They could let people know about what you like, are interested in and the things you like to do. Some of this information we leave out there knowingly, other things we may not even realise we have left.
A Digital Footprint is like an invisible report card that accumulates over the years and is a general reflection of our online activity.
In order to create a positive Digital Footprint, it is critical that we understand the permanency and implications, both positive and negative, of our online actions on our online identity.
You may not realise but you already have a digital footprint.
Watch the video below
Why are Digital Footprints important?
While it might seem that these footprints are harmless they do not disappear when you close a website or logoff your account and they have the potential to be good or bad for you now and in the future. Your Digital Footprint should be considered as permanent as a tattoo; in fact some people call them digital tattoos.
Digital Footprints are used in lots of different ways. Some people use them to work out what you might like and try to sell you things. A health service might store your information to help you if you are unwell. Someone might look at your footprint to work out whether they want to give you a job. In the future some universities, colleges and schools might use your footprint to decide if they will let you enrol with them. Some are already doing this. So it is important to make sure the footprints you leave behind will help you now and in the future.
Important points to remember
* Everyone has a Digital Footprint or digital tattoo.
* Once something is online, it could be there forever.
* Digital Footprints, or digital tattoos, can be used for both good things and bad.
How can we manage our Digital Footprint?
- Delete any abandoned or unused social media accounts
- Guard your privacy - check privacy settings to restrict who can view your posts, photos and information
- Remember nothing is private online. Anything you say or do can be copied and viewed by anyone and everyone. That post or photo can be permanent and online forever
- Assume everyone is watching - Your parents, teachers and future prospective employers may be watching
- Protect your reputation - Think before you post or upload. Keep language and photos appropriate. Be careful what you share or like. Ensure your online activities present you in a positive light
- Apply the Golden Rule - Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Don't post photos or comments that show others in an unfavourable light.
Creating and Managing your Personal Brand Online
How can we create a positive Digital Footprint or Personal Brand?
- Post only positive and interesting aspects of yourself to give others a good impression of your personal brand.
- Find ways to ensure your brand reflects who you are, what you stand for, your passions and beliefs.
- Avoid oversharing.
- Start a blog, a Facebook Group, create videos or podcasts. These can be about a hobby, sport, personal interest or civic activity.
Leaving a digital footprint (NSW DoE 2019)
- Post only positive and interesting aspects of yourself to give others a good impression of your personal brand.
- Find ways to ensure your brand reflects who you are, what you stand for, your passions and beliefs.
- Avoid oversharing.
- Start a blog, a Facebook Group, create videos or podcasts. These can be about a hobby, sport, personal interest or civic activity.
Leaving a digital footprint (NSW DoE 2019)
Your Digital Footprint can affect future employment prospects
Does your social media profile show you in the best possible light?
Creating a Positive Digital Foot Print
More helpful videos
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Oversharing - Digital Citizenship
Four Reasons to Care About Your Digital Footprint
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Oversharing - Digital Citizenship
Four Reasons to Care About Your Digital Footprint
Watch Video - Internet Danger - Everyone Knows Sarah
Activity
1. Google yourself and all your online personas, aliases, email addresses and profiles and examine your digital footprint.
2. Examine your photos and posts on social media
Reflect: What does my Digital Footprint say about me?
Ask yourself:
- Do I portray myself online in the best possible light?
- Did I find things I am proud of?
- Did I find things I am NOT proud of?
- Are there some things I would Like to change?
- How can I represent my personal brand better in future?
Activity
1. Google yourself and all your online personas, aliases, email addresses and profiles and examine your digital footprint.
2. Examine your photos and posts on social media
Reflect: What does my Digital Footprint say about me?
Ask yourself:
- Do I portray myself online in the best possible light?
- Did I find things I am proud of?
- Did I find things I am NOT proud of?
- Are there some things I would Like to change?
- How can I represent my personal brand better in future?
Share on Facebook and Twitter
Take the Quiz!
References
Commonwealth of Australia. (2014). Digital footprint. In Cybersmart. Retrieved from: http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Kids/Get%20the%20facts/Digital%20footprint.aspx
Crockett, L. (2016). Job Hunting in the Digital Age. Global Digital Citizen Foundation. Retrieved from https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/job-hunting-digital-age?utm_content=30463163&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Digital citizenship adventures: Managing your digital footprint. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://sites.google.com/site/digcitizenshipadventures/managing-your-digital-footprint
Digital Media in the Classroom. (n.d.). 10 things your students should know about their digital footprints. In Teachhub.com. Retrieved from:
http://www.teachhub.com/10-things-your-students-should-know-about-their-digital-footprints
Meredith, L. (2013). Internet safety for kids: Almost all children under 2 have a digital footprint. In Huffington Post. Retrieved from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/10/children-internetsafety_n_2449721.html?utm_hp_ref=technology7ir=Technology
University education. [Desiree Fietsam]. (2012, October, 1). Common Sense Media - Digital Footprint Intro. [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9udrvJNTEww
Webopedia. (n.d.). Digital footprint. In Webopedia. Retrieved from:
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/digital_footprint.html
Commonwealth of Australia. (2014). Digital footprint. In Cybersmart. Retrieved from: http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/Kids/Get%20the%20facts/Digital%20footprint.aspx
Crockett, L. (2016). Job Hunting in the Digital Age. Global Digital Citizen Foundation. Retrieved from https://globaldigitalcitizen.org/job-hunting-digital-age?utm_content=30463163&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Digital citizenship adventures: Managing your digital footprint. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://sites.google.com/site/digcitizenshipadventures/managing-your-digital-footprint
Digital Media in the Classroom. (n.d.). 10 things your students should know about their digital footprints. In Teachhub.com. Retrieved from:
http://www.teachhub.com/10-things-your-students-should-know-about-their-digital-footprints
Meredith, L. (2013). Internet safety for kids: Almost all children under 2 have a digital footprint. In Huffington Post. Retrieved from:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/10/children-internetsafety_n_2449721.html?utm_hp_ref=technology7ir=Technology
University education. [Desiree Fietsam]. (2012, October, 1). Common Sense Media - Digital Footprint Intro. [Video file]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9udrvJNTEww
Webopedia. (n.d.). Digital footprint. In Webopedia. Retrieved from:
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/digital_footprint.html
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