Digital Footprint
What is a digital footprint?
The trail of information you create online
What are cookies?
Small files that track what you do online.
What are privacy settings?
Controls that let you choose what information is visible or collected.
Privacy means…
Protection from being observed or tracked by others.
Your friend posts your photo without asking with the caption "Gyatt level 9000". What should you do?
Ask them to remove it and explain privacy concerns.
True or False: Your digital footprint disappears when you delete a post
False, it can still exist or be saved elsewhere
Why do websites track users?
To personalize ads, improve services, or collect data.
What does it mean to opt out?
Choosing not to participate in data collection or tracking.
Opt out means…
Choosing not to allow tracking or data collection.
You get a follow request from someone you don’t know with the username @skibbidirizzlerbuttpoop. What’s the safe choice?
Don’t accept / review identity / keep account private.
Name one way your digital footprint is created even when you don't post anything
Cookies, browsing history, app activity, likes, searches, comments, etc.
What is a privacy policy?
A document explaining what info a company collects and how it’s used.
Name one privacy setting you should check on social media.
Who can see posts, location sharing, ad personalization, two-factor authentication, etc.
Terms of service are…
The rules the user and app must follow.
A game app asks for location access but doesn’t need it. What should you do?
Decline access; only allow necessary permissions.
Why does your digital footprint matter?
It can affect your privacy, reputation, and future opportunities.
What are targeted ads?
Ads shown based on your online activity and data.
Why is it important to read (or skim!) the terms of service?
They explain the rules and what you’re agreeing to when using the app.
Targeted ads show up because…
Companies use your data to choose ads for you.
A website asks you to accept all cookies. What’s a smart response?
Choose “manage settings” and opt out of unnecessary tracking.
Describe how your choices on social media can shape your digital footprint.
What you share, like, post, comment on, click, and search all add to it.
Give one example of data a company might collect about you.
Location, browsing history, search habits, device info, purchase behavior, etc.
Give two strategies to protect your privacy online.
Adjust privacy settings, don’t overshare, turn off location tracking, use strong passwords, opt out of data tracking, avoid sketchy links, etc.
Explain the connection between cookies and targeted ads.
Cookies track your activity → companies use that data to create targeted ads.
You're about to post something that includes personal info. What should you ask yourself first?
Does this protect my privacy? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Could it harm my digital footprint?