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An introduction to the permanent trail of data we leave behind when using the internet.
Imagine walking through wet cement—every single step you take leaves a mark that stays there forever. Did you know that every time you go online, you are leaving the exact same kind of permanent trail?
A digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind while using the internet. Just like physical footprints show where you have been in the woods, your digital footprint shows where you have been online. This trail is made up of two parts. First, there is the information you share on purpose, like posting a photo or sending an email. Second, there is the information collected about you, like the websites you visit or the games you play. Even if you are only online for minutes, you are adding to your footprint!
Let's look at how a simple afternoon online adds to your footprint: 1. You log into an educational game using a username. 2. You 'like' a video of a cat playing the piano. 3. You post a comment saying 'Great job!' on a friend's art project. Each of these actions is a new 'step' in your digital trail.
Quick Check
True or False: Your digital footprint only includes things you post yourself.
Answer
False. It also includes information others post about you and data collected by the websites you visit.
The biggest difference between a footprint in the sand and a digital one is that the digital one is permanent. On the internet, 'delete' doesn't always mean 'gone forever.' Websites often save copies of data on their servers, and other people can take screenshots of what you post. Additionally, this information is searchable. This means that or years from now, a college or a boss could use a search engine to find things you did today. Your footprint becomes your online reputation—the story of who you are to the rest of the world.
Imagine you are applying for a job as a space explorer in the year . 1. The hiring manager types your name into a future search engine. 2. They find a public video you posted in Grade 5. 3. Because the internet is searchable, that old video helps them decide if you are the right person for the job.
Quick Check
Why is it difficult to truly delete something from the internet?
Answer
Because websites save data on servers and other people can take screenshots or save copies of your posts.
Since your footprint is permanent, you want to make sure it looks good! A great way to do this is the Grandma Rule: Before you post anything, ask yourself, 'Would I want my grandma to see this?' If the answer is no, don't post it! You can also protect your footprint by using privacy settings. These settings act like a fence around your trail, letting you choose exactly who gets to see your information. Remember, a positive footprint shows that you are kind, responsible, and smart.
You want to share a photo of your new puppy, but you want to keep your footprint safe. Follow these steps: 1. Check your account privacy settings to ensure only 'Friends' can see your posts. 2. Look at the background of the photo to make sure no personal info (like your house number) is visible. 3. Apply the 'Grandma Rule'—is it a kind and happy photo? 4. Only after these steps should you click 'Upload.'
What is a digital footprint?
Which of these is an example of a digital footprint?
Once you click 'delete' on a post, it is gone from the internet forever.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to explain the 'Grandma Rule' to a family member without looking at this guide.
Practice Activity
With a parent's help, look at the privacy settings on one of your favorite apps or games to see who can view your profile.