Today, for my weekly reflection, I will be sharing my personal thoughts on digital footprints. The concept of digital footprints can be quite intimidating. Generation Z was the first generation to grow up with the experimentation of digital devices like touch cell phones and tablets. While previous generations had television, the advancement of technology has greatly increased in our era. Digital footprints weren’t something that many children thought about as they were growing up. Many kids in generation Z had Instagram or other social media accounts from a young age, and we weren’t always taught about the repercussions of our actions online, unless parents were strict about internet usage.
I find the access to the internet at such a young age concerning. Having the ability to post things online without fully understanding how the internet works can have long-lasting consequences. For instance, digital footprints on platforms like Twitter often resurface. Celebrities who have made socially insensitive comments have faced consequences, sometimes even being ‘canceled.’ In today’s digital age, ‘cancel’ culture has become a powerful force, and it seems that voicing any opinion carries the risk of it being considered morally wrong in the future. Therefore, being cautious about what you post and being aware of the potential impact on your future, including future jobs, is crucial. It’s quite terrifying that with just one Google search, personal information can be available for anyone to find.
Here is a great resource to help you teach digital literacy within your classroom!
https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/lesson/the-power-of-digital-footprints