Digital Footprint
This term describes the trail of information you leave behind through your online activity.
What is a digital footprint?
Before posting a photo of a friend, you should do this.
What is ask for their permission?
This should guide how you speak to people online, even when you disagree.
What is respect?
A public rant naming your professor may affect this.
What is your academic or professional reputation?
Before reposting a news claim, check this to see whether the information is trustworthy.
What is the original source?
A post can still circulate after you do this, so it is safest to think carefully before publishing.
What is delete it?
Sharing this type of message without permission can violate someone's trust.
What is a private message or private conversation?
Insulting, threatening, or repeatedly targeting someone online can be an example of this.
What is cyberbullying or online harassment?
Before posting, ask whether you would be comfortable with this person seeing it.
Who is a professor, employer, internship supervisor, or future colleague?
A student sees a rumor that classes are canceled. They should check this before sharing it.
What are official university announcements or the university's verified channels?
A future employer or internship supervisor may review this part of your online presence.
What is your public social media profile?
This setting can limit who sees your posts, but it cannot guarantee complete privacy.
What are privacy settings?
When a conversation becomes heated, this is often a better choice than replying immediately.
What is pause, step away, or cool down before responding?
A professional way to address a disappointing grade is to do this instead of posting an angry rant.
What is contact the professor respectfully and ask to discuss the feedback?
This kind of headline may leave out important context to get attention.
What is a misleading or clickbait headline?
This is one reason a private account should not be treated as completely private: someone can still do this to your post.
What is take a screenshot or share it?
A classmate asks you not to post a photo of them. The respectful choice is to do this.
What is respect their request and not post the photo?
A respectful disagreement focuses on this rather than attacking the person.
What is the idea, issue, or argument?
Your social media presence should reflect these things you want others to associate with you.
What are your values, judgment, and professionalism?
When you cannot verify a claim, the responsible choice is to do this.
What is not share it as fact / wait until it can be verified?
A student wants a positive online reputation. Name one action that can help build it.
What is sharing thoughtful content, communicating respectfully, or reviewing privacy settings?
Posting someone's phone number, address, or other identifying details without permission is an example of this.
What is sharing personal information without consent / doxxing?
Sarcasm and jokes can be misunderstood online because readers may not have this.
What are facial expressions, tone of voice, or other nonverbal cues?
This is a good rule for college students: do not post something online that you would not want to explain in this setting.
What is a job interview or professional setting?
A picture or video may be altered or generated with AI, so you should check its this before believing or sharing it.
What is its source, context, or authenticity?