1. How might your digital footprint affect your future opportunities? Give at least two examples.
A digital footprint can affect future opportunities anywhere and everywhere. Anyone could simply search up your name and see a brief summary of who you are and where you are online, whether or not you’ve accurately presented yourself or if it is a post that is now irrelevant.
So, they get a first impression of you online. Even one post can deter someone from employing you for a job, accepting you into a school; making friends, even.
On the other hand, it may help you if your digital footprint paints you in a good light. Moral of the story, be a decent person off and online.
2. Describe at least three strategies that you can use to keep your digital footprint appropriate and safe.
A few strategies:
Always keep important information private, not public. Including location, name, passwords, etc. Optionally, don’t add unrequired personal information in the first place.
Know what you’re posting. Don’t post anything rude or inappropriate. Especially about other people. It can be little things and escalate further. It doesn’t take effort to be nice.
Don’t overshare. Eventually, it will overwhelm you and you won’t have a place to think alone. Don’t think you’re obligated to share every part of you online. That’s not healthy, find a boundary and stay behind it.
3. If you could go back in time, is there anything you would do differently online? Think of what type of advice you would pass on to your younger self or other students. How could you go about explaining it to them?
Have fun, be nice, enjoy yourself but don’t constantly be online; avoid posting personal information or pictures of yourself or your environment unless you know all the possible consequences and additional benefits and disadvantages that go along with it. Know how much the internet can hurt and help you. Be aware.
Everything is tracked online. Sometimes that’s good. Sometimes it’s not. Stay safe, be smart.