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What's your digital footprint?

Discover your online identity

What's your digitalfootprint?Discover your online identity

What is a digital footprint?

On the Internet a digital footprint is the word used to describe the trail, traces or "footprints" that people leave online. This is information transmitted online, such as forum registration, e-mails and attachments, uploading videos or digital images and any other form of transmission of information — all of which leaves traces of personal information about yourself available to others online.


-Source: Webopedia

(Free online dictionary for words, phrases and abbreviations that are related to computer and Internet technology.)

Common Sense Media: Digital Footprint Intro

Establishing an online identity

When you consider establishing a deliberate online identity there are a few important best practices to keep in mind.
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Begin

If you are 13 or older, you are legally ready to begin developing a digital footprint leading to college, career, and citizenship success. Your teachers, school librarian, and those tech-savvy family members are great people to turn to for guidance.


Remember, if you don’t establish your online identity someone else can.

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Be real

To establish an online identity, it's not only important to use your real name, but also be aware that many networking sites have rules about using your real name. Hiding behind a fake identity can lead to saying things you wouldn’t in real life, bullying, and more. If there is trouble, your true identity isn’t that hard to discover. Instead be real and be smart online.

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Be consistent

Using a consistent username in digital platforms will help you in being recognized across platforms. It will also be helpful to you in establishing your digital footprint and personal brand.


If there are others with your name, consider a middle initial or nickname.

See how this high school student established a positive digital footprint

3. Abbas's Story - Pride In Your Digital Footprint
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Social media lets the world hear your voice in conversations that matter to you

When you interact online you leave a digital trail. Be deliberate in what you share and think how it would appear to potential colleges, employers, friends, and family. Show your best side and share what you care about with the world.
  • Comment on articles and blog covering topics important to you
  • Share thoughts on the Facebook pages of your favorite shows and causes
  • Tweet insights during news events
  • Join Twitter chats about topics you care about
  • Engage in Twitter backchannel conversations to make meaning of lectures
  • Comment on the videos that inspire and teach you
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Stand behind your words

While you may choose to use a pseudonym for that which you don't want to become a part of your footprint, it isn’t a bullet proof method that prevents what you say from being traced back to you. For that to happen, you'd have to be flawless in your execution of every single interaction, no matter how big or small. For most people this is just not possible.


Remember even if you don't use your real name, you are still legally responsible for your actions and the same consequences exist.

Online and Social Networking Trends for College Admissions Officers

Source - Kaplan's College Admissions Officers Survey
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26% of college admissions officers use Facebook or other social networking pages to research an applicant.


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27% of college admissions officers have Googled an applicant to learn more about them.


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35% of those who Googled candidates discovered something that negatively impacted their application.
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Online and social networking trends for employers

Thirty-seven percent of companies use social networks to research potential job candidates according to a 2012 study from Career Builder.

Here's what they're trying to find out

What turns up when someone searches you?

Whether at school or away from school, whether talking to friends, family, or school staff, what you say, becomes a part of your online profile. If it is digital (even if it is private) it is possible that your words, images, and videos will become a part of your online footprint. Follow the instructions below to take a look at your online reputation.

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Analyze

Have you ever wondered if you have a strong digital footprint? Click here to take this quiz and find out.
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Share

Click here to share the results of your Digital Footprint score. Click here to see how you compared to others.
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Consider

Consider how to improve your online image. Make a plan for success with family and teacher input.

Family Involvement

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Compare

Have a family member take the digital footprint quiz and compare your results.
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Share

Share each of your plans to improve your online image.
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Suggest

Discuss your plans, provide suggestions for one another.

Lessons for back in the classroom

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Trillion $$ Footprint (Grades 6-8)

Students learn that they have a digital footprint and that this information can be searched, copied and passed on, and they can take control based on what they post online.

Visit the lesson at here.

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Anonymity can lead to cruelty (Grades 9 - 12)

Students learn that cruelty can escalate quickly online because people are often anonymous and posts spread quickly.

Visit the lesson here.

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College Bound or Not (Grades 9 - 12)

Students learn that everything they or anyone else posts about them online becomes part of a public online presence known as a digital footprint.

Visit the lesson at here.