My Digital Footprint By Alanya Davignon

How might your digital footprint affect your future opportunities? 1. Part of the application process for university or college is to screen prospective students to check if they would want you to be a representative for their school. If the interviewer finds information online such as videos, pictures, comments etc, that are inappropriate, they will most likely deny your application. The same type of situation could happen when you apply for a job. Interviewers will look into your past to see if you are a suitable employee for their company. Even if they think you are a match for the position, unprofessional behaviour from prior events can cost you the job.

2. Not all of your past history has to be bad 2. Not all of your past history has to be bad. You could have a good reputation and be able to get into university or college easier because you are the kind of person they want representing them. Many positive aspects such as community and volunteer work may give you a better chance at getting into the school you want. When applying for a job, interviewers look at your previous experience to see if you have the right skills they are looking for and if you have good work habits. If you have positive results, you have a greater opportunity at getting the job.

3. When you share information online it’s out there for anyone to see, friends, family, co-workers and anyone who has access to a computer or smart phone. If there is unacceptable behaviour on the internet, it will not only affect your future opportunities with education or employment, it may also affect your personal life. Friends or family may find pictures or content that are damaging for your relationships.

Describe at least three strategies that you can use to keep your digital footprint appropriate and safe. 1. Don’t post or share anything you wouldn't want your grandparents to see. If you have photos or videos that are inappropriate or shouldn't be shared, then keep them to your self. Not everybody has to know everything about you. There is information that is meant to be shared and there is information that is meant to be kept private, make sure you know the difference between the two and only share what needs to be shared.

2. Don’t let anyone share anything about you without your permission 2. Don’t let anyone share anything about you without your permission. Be sure the person understands the difference between personal and public information and it’s someone you can trust. Sometimes people may think it’s a joke to post a picture of you online, however, you may not.

3. Keep information private 3. Keep information private. Don’t share passwords or the answers to your security questions with anyone, even if you think they are trustworthy. Credentials such as your passport, birth certificate or banking information should be kept confidential. By keeping this private it will prevent identity thefts.

What information did you learn that you would pass on to other students? How would you go about telling them? Information that I learned about digital footprints were that you were being tracked before you were born(i.e. at the hospital). Everyone has a digital dossier where facts about them are stored and every time you make a payment or go online more facts are gathered and added to your dossier. I also learned that you need to be responsible when you're online because there are people who will try to figure out your personal information so they can steal your identity.

The way I would go about telling other students about digital footprints would be to explain to my teachers the importance of online safety and how it can impact your life. I would tell them all the information I have gathered and ask that a presentation be given to the school to bring awareness to the dangers of online and how to prevent dreadful situations from happening.

Thank you for watching my presentation about digital footprints and I hope you learned how to stay safe online.