Digital Footprint & Identity

12th Grade Lesson Three: Digital Footprint & Identity

Finding the Why

Reflect On...

What are some examples of things that might be in your digital footprint?

Some examples may include...social media posts and photos, information about your activities at school or as part of a club, or public information.

Digital Footprint

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

Your digital footprint largely consists of things you have said and done. In that way, it is kind of like a recording of your past.

However, because it is permanent and will likely be looked at by many people in the future, including colleges and jobs you apply to, it is also an opportunity for the future.

It is an opportunity to showcase your best self.

What do you think the phrase "best self" means?

What kinds of things would be part of your "best self"?

Maybe...uplifting posts or messages, photos of family or of being happy, or showing accomplishments.

Your "best self" also means the part of you that wants to make a positive impact. It includes the things you care about most in the world, your true passion.

Reflect on...

What does it mean to find your purpose?

Why is finding your purpose important?

Purpose

Purpose the feeling of being determined to do or achieve something

Why is finding your purpose important and what does it mean?

Your purpose is not what you do, but why you do it.
Finding your purpose can help you get a job you enjoy or get into college.
Knowing your purpose can lead to being healthier and happier later in life.

Activity

Turning Purpose Into Impact

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

Grade 12 - The Change You Want To See - Turning Purpose Into Impact Student Handout

Directions:

Complete Part 1 on the Turning Purpose Into Impact worksheet with a partner or individually.

Choose TWO resources listed below and take notes in the Turning Purpose Into Impact worksheet on page 3.

Choose TWO resources to review:

How can someone's digital footprint show their purpose and have a positive impact on the world?

Here are some examples:

"Valedictorian Anonymously Posted Kind Words About Classmates on Instagram for Nearly a Year"

Konner Sauve created an anonymous Instagram account and used it to post kind messages about all his classmates.
His messages had a positive impact on the school and led to a feeling of being united.

"How Social Media Is Propelling the Anti-gun Violence Movement"

Teens who experienced the school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High used social media and hashtags to organize marches for gun law reform.
Teens all over the country have been inspired by the messages and images that these teens have shared on social media.

"Game Changers: Marley Dias and the #1000BlackGirlBooks"

Marley Dias used a Twitter campaign and hashtag to create a movement around getting more books with African American female characters into schools and curricula.
Her website now includes a resource guide with books that include African American female characters.

"We're Not Okay with It. We'll Fight Back."

Jamie started her movement by reaching out to friends on social media.
She uses social media to call out climate issues that mainstream media outlets don't report on.
Her organization's website is a place where people can join her cause, donate to it, and provide other kinds of support.

What do you think of this example? Would you consider doing something similar? Why or why not?

What's Your Purpose? Brainstorm

Complete Part 2 Turning Purpose Into Impact worksheet by yourself.

Brainstorming Questions

Response 1 Questions (Choose one)

What problems, either in your school or community, or in the world, are you concerned about? Which ones do you most want to be solved?
What person, group, or event inspires you the most? Why? How could they or it be a model for your own life?
What activities or experiences in your life have been the most enjoyable? Why do you think that is?

Response 2 Questions (Choose one)

If you wanted to make an emotional impact on people, how would you do it? What would you show them? What would the message be?
If you had to get a message out to a large amount of people in a short amount of time, how would you do it? What kind of message would you send?

Note: You don't necessarily need to write about big, societal problems. You can also choose to write about something you see in your neighborhood or community.

These responses are just the beginning of starting to think about how you can showcase your best self and purpose through your digital footprint, and make a positive impact on the world.

To the right are some possible next steps you can take...

Start a Campaign Tools:

For the third bullet, here is a list of tools you can use to help engage (or start) a campaign around a particular problem.

How can you use your digital footprint to make a positive impact on the world?

Optional Extension Activity

You watched the video "The Purpose Challenge" from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.

As an extension, you can go through "The Purpose Challenge Toolkit" over the course of a week.

Lesson Quiz

Family Tips

Tips on helping kids' post, comment and upload responsibly

Grades 6–12 Family Tips: Digital Footprint & IdentityHelp kids post, comment, and upload responsibly.

Digital Citizenship Family Activity:

Resources for Engaging Parents and Families | Common Sense EducationValuable tips, advice, and recommendations for families on issues related to kids' digital lives.