Digital footprints
What is a DIGITAL foot print?As we've seen from Gareth's story, just because you are online, does not mean you are anonymous.
The term “digital footprint” is used to describe the trail that people leave behind when they go online. It is also referred to as a “digital tattoo” because it is permanent. Your digital footprint began the first time you logged online. It will continue to grow with out for as long as you use the Internet - likely a very long time! |
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How is it created?Your digital footprint can be created with or without your knowledge. Every time you log in to an app, like a page, comment on a friends post, it is recorded online.
Sometimes, websites leave “cookies” on your computer to track your favorite websites. If you use a tablet or mobile phone to take pictures or videos to post online, the device records information about the time and location the image was taken. Every email, message or file sent may leave a searchable trace of your online activity. |
Activity:
Think of all of the websites or social media sites you have visited in the last 24 hours. List or draw them in the footprint template. This represents a snap shot of the digital footprint you’ve created in the last day. How does this compare to your digital footprint from the last week? Month? Year?
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Why should you care?
Watch this short clip on digital footprints:
Now think of your future self. Getting a job, applying for scholarships and universities might seem like a long way off, but the digital footprint you create now may have long-term consequences on your future. Try Googling yourself now - are you surprised by what you find?
Protect your digital Footprint
- Every time you log on, remember to log off!
- Most social media apps and websites have privacy policies which explain how they use your information. Be sure to read these before your sign up. - Check your privacy settings on your devices and apps. - Think before you post, send or click like. Think about what your digital self says about you. - Remember, what goes online, stays online. Forever. |