How might your digital footprint affect your future opportunities? 

Your digital footprint is a digital representation of who you are and what you have accomplished. In the future your digital footprint may affect your life in various ways, depending on what kind of things you let the world see. That is why it is important to be extremely cautious and think before doing anything online; for it can be used against you. You have the power to decide whether you are reflected positively or negatively. In a job situation, your digital footprint may mean the difference between getting hired or being fired. If what you put online represents you well, the chances of you being hired are higher than those with a poor digital representation. For example, when you apply for a job, it is common for your superior to research your background and history online. If the first thing to show up under your name is an image of you and your friends participating in illegal activities, your chances of being hired become slimmer. On the other hand, if what comes up are impressive achievements and a safe, responsible lifestyle, your superiors may show more of an interest in hiring you. The same idea can be used towards university and college

applications. When you post online it is important to remember that it is permanent. What is posted online stays online forever, even when you think you may have deleted something; it is never truly erased. If you expose too much of your personal information online, others may take advantage of you by using your information as their own. In some situations, like spam emails and scams, people may try to manipulate you into giving them your credit card information. To avoid this, it is important to understand the dangers of being online, how to properly navigate the internet, and how to keep your information safe. In doing this, you can ensure that future opportunities such as jobs, schools, and even your financial stability are not squandered.

Describe at least three strategies that you can use to help keep your digital footprint appropriate and safe.

To keep your digital footprint safe, it is best to start by keeping your accounts private and being cautious to what you post online. To ensure that your social accounts are safe, update your settings, passwords, and devices frequently. Having a strong password and private accounts limits the chance of unwanted parties viewing your content. Another strategy is to always THINK before putting anything online, including what you search online as well. Everything that you search, type, or post online is recorded and nothing you enter can ever be truly erased, so always take a second before doing something you may regret in the future. To protect yourself from other’s digital footprints, let them know whether they have your permission to take or post a photo or video of you. In doing so, you are protecting yourself from any unwanted attention that may affect your reputation. This will keep you in control of your life and your digital representation.

What information did you learn that you would pass on to other students? How would you go about telling them?

During this project I learned how my digital footprint affects me and the way I am represented.  Not only that, but how I am represented by every choice I have ever made online, whether it is a good choice or not. Something that I would pass on to other students is to always make sure you have control over your digital footprint. Being in control of your digital footprint means having authority over the way that others may see you online. Being a teenager, it is especially important to take control now. At my age it is crucial to start maturing with the choices I make. As I grow older, I gradually become more responsible for my life, including any and all opportunities I may receive. My advice to other students is to be proud of who you are. Even if you made a few mistakes, now is the perfect time to put your act together and smother all the bad decisions with good ones. Online reputations can only get you so far, but nonetheless they can still take you places, so make your reputation a great one.