Measure Your Footprint
Let's learn more about your digital footprint. Answer all three poll questions below to get a sense of your footprint's size and shape, and how it compares with your classmates. (Check all that apply).
How did you do?
If you checked the box beside any of these choices, you definitely have a digital footprint! Almost everyone visits web sites. Although it may not seem like you're leaving a footprint when you visit a site, corporations may be tracking your visit for marketing purposes.
Social networking sites are also an important part of your digital life. Facebook tends to be for social interaction, LinkedIn is related to employment, and people use Twitter for both business and social purposes. If you use your cell phone to update your social networking accounts, then you probably update frequently and on the fly! Because it is so easy to post, be sure to think carefully before you do it.
Lastly, a web site all about you is a significant project that takes time and effort. But if you do it well, your web site can become a personal portfolio to help market you to future colleges and employers!
Social networking sites are also an important part of your digital life. Facebook tends to be for social interaction, LinkedIn is related to employment, and people use Twitter for both business and social purposes. If you use your cell phone to update your social networking accounts, then you probably update frequently and on the fly! Because it is so easy to post, be sure to think carefully before you do it.
Lastly, a web site all about you is a significant project that takes time and effort. But if you do it well, your web site can become a personal portfolio to help market you to future colleges and employers!
How did you do?
By now, you have probably realized that your digital footprint can be influenced by others. Posting online about the fun you're having in real life is one of the best parts of social networking. Sometimes you might know when someone is posting something about you, but sometimes you may not. If you do not know all your social networking friends in real life, you should carefully consider how much information you share with those "friends."
It's also important to choose passwords your friends can't guess, and keep your passwords private. Now that you know how important and permanent a digital footprint can be, treat your friends' digital footprints with respect. The Internet is an open stage for the world, not a place to play even a friendly prank.
It's also important to choose passwords your friends can't guess, and keep your passwords private. Now that you know how important and permanent a digital footprint can be, treat your friends' digital footprints with respect. The Internet is an open stage for the world, not a place to play even a friendly prank.
How did you do?
Now that you know all the ways that you and others are shaping your digital footprint, it's important to be vigilant about keeping your footprint in shape. Have you ever realized how closely marketers are watching you online? Does it bother you at all, and would it affect the kinds of things you might shop for online?
Searching for yourself on a search engine is a quick way to see what information is out there about you. You may find a number of people who have the same name as you--and some of them might have a digital footprint you wouldn't want for yourself. How will you make yourself stand out in the crowd of people who may seem to be you?
Using an appropriate photo of yourself in your social networking profiles is an important start. Think carefully about posting your contact information or birthday. As fun as it is to get birthday messages, you may also get targeted by marketers or even identity thieves.
We all have good days and bad days, but remember that what goes on the Internet is public and long-lasting. Do you want everyone, including your future employers, to see your personal business, including fights and breakups?
And if there are some parts of your digital footprint that you are not proud of, don't be afraid to untag a photo, ask a friend to take something of yours down, or even delete an account. These "fixes" are not absolute, but they can help to keep your private business private.
Searching for yourself on a search engine is a quick way to see what information is out there about you. You may find a number of people who have the same name as you--and some of them might have a digital footprint you wouldn't want for yourself. How will you make yourself stand out in the crowd of people who may seem to be you?
Using an appropriate photo of yourself in your social networking profiles is an important start. Think carefully about posting your contact information or birthday. As fun as it is to get birthday messages, you may also get targeted by marketers or even identity thieves.
We all have good days and bad days, but remember that what goes on the Internet is public and long-lasting. Do you want everyone, including your future employers, to see your personal business, including fights and breakups?
And if there are some parts of your digital footprint that you are not proud of, don't be afraid to untag a photo, ask a friend to take something of yours down, or even delete an account. These "fixes" are not absolute, but they can help to keep your private business private.