Introduction
Digital footprint? Digital tattoo? Digital trail?
No matter what you call it, your online presence can be easily tracked. As you post a photo, share a video, use your maps/GPS, check in at a location, tweet or text, you are leaving virtual breadcrumbs and creating a long digital trail for anyone to follow. What you publish online stays online. It's forever a part of your digital history.
For example, have you noticed how right after doing a simple Google search, ads on your favorite social media sites reflect that Google search? Social media sites and apps make money from selling your data to advertisers. When you check the little box "I agree to terms and conditions," you are agreeing to allow these companies to record that Google search or photo you post and then sell it to their advertisers. Isn't it amazing that all those online ads quickly conform to your interests?
We have all done it - taken that selfie and quickly regretted sharing it. With every post and uploaded photo you are making tracks in your digital trail. It's so important to think before you do it. Information you share now could easily pop up at a most inconvenient time in the future. What about applying for a job? Do you think what people see would help or hurt your chances of getting hired? What about other opportunities for which you might be considered?
Think before you post: What kind of online legacy are you leaving?
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...
- Evaluate safe, ethical, and legal use of technology systems and digital content.
- Explain the positive and negative implications of your digital footprint.
Essential Questions
- What is a digital footprint?
- How can my digital footprint affect my future?
Enduring Understandings
- Understand that information published online leaves a trail or digital footprint and developing an awareness of your digital footprint should lead to responsible online practices.
- Responsible digital citizens understand current social and cultural issues, judiciously publish personal information and practice online safeguards.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Career Preparedness standards: 12a and 12c.