Blog #1: Digital Dossier

A digital footprint, also known as a digital dossier, is information that is stored in cyberspace from the moment you are born and continues after your passing. It is formed through the “footprints” that you leave behind when using technology and the Internet. Personally I think that having a positive digital footprint is important and I have been contributing to my footprint for a while now through my  use of social networks and technology. As I write this blog I will be building up my digital footprint and sharing my thoughts with the world, additionally as you read this you are adding to your digital footprint! However, I am very cautious when using technology and the Internet because of the constant tracking of information and how easily information can be obtained through websites.

Many people do not realize the consequences of sharing personal information on the Internet and how it can be tracked for a lifetime. The video "Youth and Media- A Digital Dossier" paints a good picture about the formation of digital dossiers without being aware. I first began to notice my digital dossier when I would go onto Facebook and the ads would be targeted to something I recently searched or purchased online. Sometimes this can seem like a scary situation, but do not be scared of your digital footprint and the tracks you leave behind! As long as you continue to use proper Netiquette and are sharing aspects of your life in a safe manner than you will be building a positive digital footprint. Additionally, it is important to be aware of what others are posting about you in order to ensure that your digital footprint is maintained across everyone’s postings.

As I continue to post to this blog I would like to focus on digital literacy because it is something that I will have to be aware of in order to educate my future students on digital etiquette and safety. When I watch students or my younger cousins use the internet they are not aware of the consequences of sharing information or clicking on random websites that may be unsafe, therefore it is important that we educate children on Netiquette and their digital dossier. Through my exploration of my Digital Driver's License I learned that I need to work on my digital commerce. This is personally significant because lately I have been online shopping more frequently and this can be unsafe if I share too much personal information.

I have been blogging for several years now as I created my first Tumblr in high school. I was soon emerged into a sharing cyber society of memes, gifs, and a supportive online community. I continue to use Tumblr to this day and love exploring the website. I think that I have learned a lot from this blogging experience and it will benefit other youth if they use it in a positive format. Additionally, when I was in grade eleven, I did an English assignment that entailed creating a blog (much like this one) in the perspective of a character from Shakespeare’s “Othello.” I really enjoyed this assignment because it gave me creative freedom with blogging, but I also felt a connection to the characters as I developed the storyline through my posts. In the article "Six Reasons Why Kids Should Know how to Blog," by Barseghian, several other reasons as to why blogging is beneficial for children is suggested, such as building strong skills in online communication that is not through merely 140 characters, as demonstrated on Twitter. Blogs promote literacy, visibility, and communication on a worldwide scale and should be implemented into the curriculum more often.

My challenge for YOU is to track your digital dossier and ensure that the trail you are leaving behind is positive! Additionally, here is an interesting video that I found about positive digital dossiers for everyone to check out!

Happy blogging and be safe!