The Impact of Digital Citizenship on the Digital Footprint We Leave Behind

Last week, we were introduced to the concept of digital citizenship and learned that it is a set of established behavior norms regarding appropriate and responsible technology use (Lamar University, n.d.). By addressing its nine elements: digital access, digital literacy, digital rights and responsibilities, digital etiquette, digital law, digital security, digital commerce, digital communication, and digital health and wellness, technology leaders can groom learners to become respectful, educated, and protected (Ribble, 2015) digital users in any 21st century environment. This week, we extended our understanding of digital citizenship by getting a greater glimpse into how not having digital citizenship training can affect our present and future lives. More specifically, I learned that digital citizenship training is crucial in maintaining a positive digital footprint/tattoo.

A digital footprint/tattoo is the impression you leave behind when using the Internet that can shape your online reputation and experience (Lamar University, n.d.). Depending on the reputation one develops, it can either have a positive or negative effect on one’s present circumstance as well as future opportunities. Therefore, it is particularly imperative for students to learn how to appropriately conduct themselves in online spaces because learners nowadays have such easy and convenient access to digital environments. According to a study conducted by Amanda Lenhart of the Pew Research Center (2015), teen access to digital devices is high with the majority of them having access to three or more devices. Couple this with the FCC net neutrality regulation that has created free and open access to online spaces for all citizens (Marshall Data, 2014) and you now have over 92% of teens freely roaming the internet daily (Lenhart, 2015), many of whom have no experience in developing and managing meaningful relationships in their face to face world (Shapiro, 2014) and have not learned how to properly navigate and conduct themselves in the digital world. When combined together, these factors create a perfect breeding ground for online behaviors that can tarnish a learner’s digital footprint/tattoo.

The good news, however, is that our students are still young and still have time to reinvent their digital footprint/tattoo. By incorporating character education and digital citizenship training in schools, students can be given explicit training and practice in how to effectively operate various digital devices and platforms with intention so that they are able to receive the most benefits by using them. Through these training they can also learn how to communicate in a manner that helps to build positive online relationships with others that are lasting. In no time, learners will become responsible, knowledgeable, and respectful digital citizens with digital footprints/tattoos anyone would love to have.

References:

Lamar University. (n.d.). Understanding the Impact of Technology – The Digital Footprint/Tattoo we Leave Behind. Retrieved from https://luonline.blackboard.com/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp?course_id=_164374_1

Lenhart, A. (2015). Teen, social media and technology overview 2015. The Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/04/09/teens-social-media-technology-2015/

Marshall Data. (2014). An introduction to net neutrality.Retrieved from http://www.marshalldata.com/2014/05/an-introduction-to-net-neutrality-what-it-is-what-it-means-for-you-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

Ribble, M. (2015). Digital citizenship in schools: Nine elements all students should know (3rd ed.). Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education

Shapiro, E. (2014). The case for teaching digital citizenship. Retrieved from http://www.jewishpress.com/indepth/opinions/the-case-for-teaching-digital-citizenship/2014/01/23/