Find at least 2 different resources that address having a Digital Footprint/Identity. Post/link the resources on your blog and write a reflection blog summarizing the articles and a response to what you read.
http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2007/Digital-Footprints.aspx
Internet users are becoming more aware of their digital footprint; 47% have searched for information about themselves online, up from just 22% five years ago. However, few monitor their online presence with great regularity. Just 3% of self-searchers report that they make a regular habit of it and 74% have checked up on their digital footprints only once or twice.
Koppel on Discovery : Your Digital Footprint : Discovery Channel
How much information about your daily life gets recorded by big business and Big Brother? ...
Ok, so am frustrated that the Discovery Channel is blocked from school (came in today to work on my room since I was preparing for Shift Happens on the last workshop day.) Guess I'll have to watch this one from home!
To calculate the size of your own digital footprint, download the Personal Digital Footprint Calculator at http://www.emc.com/digital_universe.
I have googled myself a few times, mainly to make sure that there aren't negative connections to my name. (So far, so good - though I do find it interesting how some of the things that pop up are so old!) And it's also always so strange how other people's names will pop up as related to me - often they are people I've never even heard of! I guess geneology tracking is one of the most popular hobbies in our country, but I'm not that interested in it. I struggle finding time to spend with those I already know and love.
I must admit that I find it a little frustrating that we can be so easily judged on a computer screen. What's going to happen to all of these kids who post such ridiculousness and such personal and intimate details about themselves? Will their junior high Myspace posts be part of their digital footprint in a few years? I certainly would not want a permanent record of that awful period in my life. Are we adults doing enough to help our youth realize the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint? I also feel for people who might have a name that is the same as a criminal. Do they have to put a note on their resumes warning what others might think they learn about them? That would be so frustrating!
In hopes that human beings are allowed the chance to be judged on their actions and deeds, not just what the Google Gods tell us!
