Digital Footprint & Identity

11th Grade Lesson Three: Digital Footprint & Identity

Admission Rescinded

Have you ever Googled yourself?

What type of information comes up?

Did you find anything that you were embarrassed by?

Anything you were proud of?

Did you know this is all part of what's called your digital footprint?

Digital Footprint

Digital footprint is all the information online about a person, either posted by that person or others, intentionally or unintentionally.

Did you know it also can have an impact on your real life.

Watch the video and reflect..

Why did Harvard rescind the students' admission? What was their reasoning?

Do you agree with their decision? Why or why not?

Video: Harvard withdraws acceptances over social media messagesThe Ivy League university rescinded acceptance for 10 incoming students who allegedly posted offensive messages on social media.

Rescinded

Rescinded means taken away or canceled.

Did you agree or disagree with the decision?

The students' admission was rescinded because they made offensive posts on social media, and Harvard decided they didn't meet the moral character requirements to be allowed in.

Hate speech shouldn't be tolerated?

It's a violation of freedom of speech?

Did you notice the comments that the newscasters made at the end of the video?

Although there may be arguments for and against Harvard's decision, Harvard is a private institution and has the right to allow or not allow students in based on their digital footprint. The same is true for many employers who are private companies or organizations, and who have the right to make hiring and firing decisions based on someone's online activity.

Activity

Positive and Negative Footprints:

Although you just looked at a very public example of how your digital footprint can work against you, it can also work for you, and can help you get admitted to a school or hired by an employer. Although not everything in our footprint is under our control, there are steps you can take to make your footprint a help rather than a hindrance.

Future Tracks

Complete part 1 of the worksheet. (Make a copy of google doc to fill in sections)

Note:

Resources 2 and 3 address a common strategy for creating a positive footprint, called personal branding. This is also often described as being a social media "influencer." The resources show both the benefits and drawbacks to this particular approach.

Personal Branding

Personal branding, which is the practice of marketing yourself to the public using social media, a personal website, advertisements, or other non-digital tools.

Grade 11 - Who's Looking At Your Digital Footprint? - Future Tracks Student Handout

Directions:

Complete Part 1 on the Future Tracks worksheet with a partner or individually.

Choose TWO resources listed below and take notes in the Future Tracks worksheet on page 2.

Choose TWO resources to review:

Read: How Colleges Use Kids' Social Media Feeds
Listen: Using Social Media, Students Aspire to Become "Influencers"
Read: The Case Against Personal Brands
Watch: Top Tips: Social Media

How can your digital footprint affect your future opportunities?

Here are some examples:

"How Colleges Use Kids' Social Media Feeds "

Have some social media presence but also utilize privacy settings.
Turn off "tagging."
Show that you're a well-rounded person.
Actively pursue a passion through social media and engage an audience.
Some colleges want to see some résumé-type elements.
No photos or videos of you drinking, wearing sexy stuff, or swearing.
Avoid liking or following lots of provocative or controversial figures online.

"Using Social Media, Students Aspire to Become "Influencers"

Many teens now want to be influencers.
Having a YouTube following allows you to potentially negotiate with companies for sponsorships.
Being an influencer allows you to showcase your creativity and business skills.

"The Case Against Personal Brands"

A personal brand can sometimes come across as ineffective and inauthentic; no one is perfect.
Use your unique voice; don't "package" yourself.
It can be OK to highlight your best qualities and show a profile that is warm, genuine, and positive.
It's important to communicate your story.

"Top Tips: Social Media"