WHAT IS A DIGITAL FOOTPRINT?
A digital footprint is a trace of data we leave behind us when we execute something online. When we purchase things digitally, when we visit websites, all this info is stored somewhere.
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- Privacy = When on the Internet, it is important to know that we are not totally protected when browsing, and some data is left behind. This “left-over” data can be stolen and used.
- Internet cookies = Cookies are fragments of data sent from a site and gathered on the user’s computer by the user’s web director while the user is searching. If the information is gathered together, then, the website can backtrack to the computer using the data and observe sites that were currently seen by the user.
- Visibility = You become more visible to others that would like to benefit off of you online. For example, you become more visible to people who are trying to advertise. Online advertisers regularly use cookies to choose which ads to deliver to a certain consumer.
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How might your digital footprint affect your future job opportunities?
Your digital footprint can affect job opportunities because when you are applying for a job, they usually do background checks. If you have posted anything that negatively reflect upon yourself, than you will have a lower chance of getting that job and it will most likely be given to someone else. However, it can also be a good thing. For example, if your potential boss searches you up and finds posts of yourself that positively reflect upon you, than you will have a greater chance of getting accepted.
What are three strategies that you can use to keep your digital footprint safe?
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- You can manage your privacy settings. Chances are that many people have a social media account and are on public settings, but there is an option to go private. Going private is a very good idea because, of course, you will have more privacy.
- You can understand that searches are social. If you understand this, then you will be more careful of what you search and think about how it can reflect upon you in the future.
- You can google yourself (this was mentioned in this assignment). Doing a Google search of yourself can show you what comes up about yourself. When I searched myself up, nothing related to me came up.
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What is the meaning of Digital Permanence?
Digital Permanence refers to the fact that what you share about yourself or what you put on the web is going to be there forever. There is no taking things back because there will always be a trace. Digital Permanence is pretty much telling you how long things stay online (like I said before, it is forever).
This assignment really made me aware of the Internet’s capability and how it can spy on you, even when you thought you were protected. The Internet may be good, in the sense of its use, but because it allows people to spy on our private lives, it does not sound as good as it once did. This does not stop me from using the Internet, however, and now with my further understanding of the digital footprint, I can take further precaution when it comes to going online.
Cites
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_permanence https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/11-tips-for-students-tomanage-their-digital-footprints/ https://lhslance.org/2015/news/digital-footprints-will-posts-affect-future/ file:///C:/Users/boris/Downloads/DF%20Student%20Example%20(3).pdf
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