Do we even know how big out digital footrpints are?
With the use and integration of technology not only in schools but also in everyday life, I believe as adults we are responsible for teaching young people what their digital footprint is.
As I began to think more about digital literacy and privacy, I thought of what I would want to know as a student. When I was in high school, social media was quite bare bones compared to today. I had a little flip phone, photos were only just starting, and twitter was still alive and well. Thinking of how to run an info session for students, I came across this resource. Running through activities such as The Media Footprint through The Digital Classroom Experience gives space for students (and teachers) to learn and as questions about the topic at hand.
Some key points I would cover with students:
- Things don’t just go away because you delete them. I would compare this to saying something, showing something, or doing something in the real world. Just because you say sorry to someone after calling them a racial slur, does not mean those words will erase from their brain forever. No, that person will remember.
- Anonymity is not solid. We see so many issues surrounding digital footprints due to the fact that people think they’re ‘anonymous’ or their handle is not identifying of them. However, things come out all of the time. Internet sleuths exist.
- Protect your privacy. In a world where everything is out there to be seen and known, you need to understand what does not need to be shared. Things like home addresses to health conditions should be considered private information that only you should know.
I think this is a topic that can be discussed at any age (all ages really), and can be made into short lesson style or even into a full media literacy unit.