Digital Footprint Scenarios: What Would You Do?

Instructions for Students:

Read each scenario carefully in your group. Discuss the questions below for each scenario, and be prepared to share your group's thoughts with the class.

Discussion Questions for Each Scenario:

1. What kind of digital footprint is being left in this situation (active, passive, or both)?
2. What are the potential consequences (positive or negative) of the actions described?
3. What would be a responsible and safe way to handle this situation?
4. What advice would you give to the person(s) involved?

Scenario 1: The "Funny" Photo

Your friend, Alex, took a really silly picture of another classmate, Sam, during lunch where Sam had food all over their face. Alex thought it was hilarious and posted it on their public Instagram story with the caption, "Look at this mess! #lunchfails." A few other friends reposted it. Sam saw it and felt really embarrassed and hurt.

Scenario 2: Gaming Gaffe

While playing an online multiplayer game, you get really frustrated with another player who keeps defeating you. In the heat of the moment, you type a mean comment in the public chat about their skill and even use some unkind language. You quickly log off, but later you wonder if others saw it or if that player saved a screenshot.

Scenario 3: Location, Location, Location!

Sarah loves to post updates about her life. She checks in on social media every time she goes to a new place – the mall, a friend's house, or even her dentist's office. Her posts often include photos with location tags. One day, she posts a picture of her empty house with a caption, "So glad to be home alone!" when her parents are out of town.

Scenario 4: The Old Post Comes Back

Years ago, when you were in 5th grade, you posted a somewhat childish and slightly embarrassing video of yourself dancing to a popular song. You thought it was private, but it turns out it was publicly accessible. Now, you're applying for a leadership role in a school club, and one of the teachers on the selection committee mentions seeing "an interesting video" of you online.

Scenario 5: Supporting a Cause

You are passionate about environmental protection. You regularly share articles, join online discussions, and post respectful comments on social media about ways to reduce waste and support conservation efforts. You even organized a small online group with friends to share tips and motivate each other to be more eco-friendly. Recently, a local environmental organization reached out to you to see if you'd be interested in volunteering.

My Digital Footprint Check-Up

Name: ____________________________ Date: _____________

Instructions: Reflect on your own online habits and answer the questions below. Be honest with yourself – this is a chance to think about how you can be the best Digital Footprint Detective you can be!

Section 1: What I Share Online

1. List three types of information you commonly share or post online (e.g., photos, opinions, location, personal details, gaming achievements, links to articles).
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2. Where do you usually share this information (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, gaming platforms, YouTube, online forums, school portals)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Do you think carefully before you share something online? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 2: Who Sees My Footprint?

1. Who is your intended audience for most of your online posts or activities?
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Who do you think actually sees your online content (e.g., friends, family, classmates, strangers, teachers, coaches, future employers)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Have you checked your privacy settings on your social media accounts or apps? What do you know about them?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Section 3: My Online Reputation

1. Imagine someone who doesn't know you looks at your digital footprint right now. What kind of person would they think you are?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Is there anything in your current digital footprint that you might want to change or remove? If so, what and why?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. What are two specific actions you can take starting today to create a more positive and responsible digital footprint?
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Section 4: Digital Citizenship Pledge

I, ____________________________, pledge to be a responsible Digital Footprint Detective. I will:

• Think Before I Post: Consider the impact of my words and images.
• Protect My Privacy: Use strong passwords and manage my privacy settings.
• Be Kind Online: Treat others with respect and stand up against cyberbullying.
• Create a Positive Presence: Share content that reflects my best self and contributes positively to the online community.

Signed: ____________________________ Date: ______________

Digital Detectives: Open Forum

Instructions for the Teacher: Facilitate a class discussion using the prompts below. Encourage students to share their thoughts, listen respectfully to others, and build upon each other's ideas. This is an opportunity for deeper reflection and critical thinking.

Discussion Prompts:

1. What was the most surprising or interesting thing you learned about digital footprints today?
   
   
   
2. We talked about how digital footprints are permanent. Do you think a digital footprint can ever truly be erased? Why or why not? What are the implications of this?
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Beyond friends and family, who else might be looking at your digital footprint now or in the future? (Think about colleges, employers, scholarship committees, etc.) How might a positive or negative digital footprint impact these opportunities?
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. What are some practical steps you can take right now to start shaping a more positive digital footprint for yourself? (e.g., reviewing old posts, adjusting privacy settings, thinking before posting)
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. If you see someone else leaving a digital footprint that could be harmful to them or others (e.g., cyberbullying, sharing too much personal info), what responsibility do you have? What could you do?
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. How can we, as a school community, encourage each other to be better digital citizens?