What is a digital footprint?
Image created by Poznaniak
Today, many people are doing much more than browsing on the Internet. Conversations and connections are being made all the time–whether through social networks, blogs, discussion forums, or videos many people are interacting with one another on the World Wide Web. A trace of a person’s activity on the Internet is left from the history of their searches, to an email address one might submit, or a comment left on a watched video. This trail left by an individual is called a “digital footprint.”
Collectively, we should not be scared by this trail we all leave behind when we venture out onto the Web. Rather, an opportunity may be taken to evaluate how one wants to present their self online. For many, being polite and kind is a natural way of being in person; therefore being polite and kind online will only be a continuation of their self.
(If one does become concerned with their digital footprint, there is an actual alert option offered from Google itself. With this feature an email is sent when a footprint of your name has been made.)
So, what kind of digital footprint are you creating? If you were to “Google” yourself, what would you find?
your definition is somewhat narrow.
a digital footprint is information/ content/ clicks you leave, it is information/ content/ clicks that others leave about you and also what the data says about you. Some data you knowingly give up (search, blog) other such as location is embedded and you cannot see it
best
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Thanks for this Tony. I almost wrote the post with more details–as you have pointed out, but then I decided not to. I need to realize my audience serves more than just the elementary students I teach. I also need to be thorough for them.
I did have an excellent “digital footprint” lesson with a 5th grade class, and I was using this post as a follow-up. I’ll adjust my post to be more inclusive of its definition. Also, please check out this lesson I did on digital footprints as shared by Clarence Fisher: http://www.evenfromhere.org/?p=1611.
I am not so interested in leaving footprints.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 10:41 am
@Kate Why?
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
@Kate Why not? I think I remember you are on Facebook. You have already started by being on that social network.
I do agree with the digital foot print and think that it is very important.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
@William Good;D It shows you are a digital citizen!
I liked the digital footprint lesson and I liked the idea of leaving a footprint wherever you go on the internet.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
@Taylor Me too;D
Hi Mrs.Krembs! I agree with you on the digital footprint! I might make a digital footprint in the future when I grow up!
Henry
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
@Henry And, you have already started your digital footprint by responding to this blog and by writing your own!
I very much agree. I think I might start my very own digital footprint when i grow up.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@Bader You have a blog, so you have already started! You don’t have to wait till you grow up.
If you are going to make a digital footprint you have to make your post positive and with right grammer and spelling. If you make one remember the whole world has access.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
@Bryce You are so right Bryce!
I agree
Everyone should be very careful of what they post on anything.
You should also try to keep everything positve.
(Tony should first capitalise his name)
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@Kassia I agree with you–on all acounts.
Hi,
I learned a lot of things about digital footprints. I am wondering how the computer remembers what you did. I think a good way to check what you wrote works is by rereading it 2 times. That way, you can see which places don’t make sense.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
@Cindy Good point. Also, I need to find out the answer for you–it is confusing how it works!
I don’t really have any information what leaving footprints are.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
@Kate Did you read the post? It explains it. Were you absent on the day we had the lesson?
I had a great time during digital foot print time. I noticed that when I blog other people’s site, I need to check my spelling or my grammar. I also noticed that when I blog other people’s site, I should not give many of my information. If I have chance to learn more about digital footprint, I’ll be happy! Thank
-Tony-
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
@Tony Super! I look forward to reading your blog.
Dear librarian,
I like to work on my own site. Thanks for the information I’ll have to change some of the things on my site so it looks like I care about myself.
Yours,
Umair
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
@Umair Good! Great!! I’m so glad to hear that, and I’ll make sure to check out your site.
I think that people should be polite and also positive. People should also be careful not to put their last name too.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
@Venus I think if you are being polite and positive, it would be ok to include your last name. It’s part of your identity.
I think that digital footprints is important for people because, you learn more about people. I have learned a lot about digital footprints.
Ida
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
@Ida Will you make one? A digital footprint?
I think I should work on my site alot and blog to other people’s blo ,too!I want lots of my digital footprints in the Internet!
Rebecca
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
@Rebecca I’ll make sure to frequent your blog and make comments when you post something interesting.
Hi,
I think the digital footprint is really interesting because the future people can see everything you did. It is really iteresting so we will need to triple check to make sure not to make mistakes.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 11:36 am
Agreed!
Man, I think I have to be careful with my comments. I never knew there is a trail even if we delete them! I wonder what I will find when I Google myself?
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 11:36 am
@Justin If you are wise and conscientious, when you Google yourself you will find a fine digital citizen! Consider the World Wide Web a place of sharing. Promote good will, and it will follow.
I think the whole lesson on digital footprint was really useful because you never know when you might be in danger.
Dear Librarian Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
@Allen What makes you feel in danger when you are online?