Digital Footprint Scenario Cards

Instructions: Read each scenario carefully. In your group, discuss the following questions for each card:

1. What kind of digital footprint is being created (passive, active, or both)? Is it positive, negative, or neutral?
2. What are the potential short-term and long-term consequences of this action?
3. What could the person do differently to create a more positive and responsible digital footprint?

Scenario 1: The Rant Post

Jamie is frustrated with a low grade on a test. She goes on social media and posts a long, angry rant about her teacher, calling them "unfair" and "the worst teacher ever." She uses strong language and tags a few friends in the post.

Scenario 2: The Awesome Vacation Photos

Sarah and her family are on an amazing vacation across the country. Every day, Sarah posts multiple photos and videos to her public Instagram story, showing exactly where they are, what they are doing, and how long they will be there.

Scenario 3: Sharing a Private Message

Mark receives a funny, but slightly embarrassing, private message from a friend. He thinks it's hilarious and decides to screenshot it and share it in a group chat with other friends without asking his friend for permission.

Scenario 4: The Game Cheats Video

David finds a video online that shows how to cheat in his favorite video game. He watches it, comments "Thanks for the tips!" and then shares the video with several friends who also play the game.

Scenario 5: Researching a Topic

Maria is doing research for a school project on climate change. She visits many different websites, reads articles, watches videos, and uses an online encyclopedia. She doesn't post anything herself but spends hours browsing.

Scenario 6: Creating an Online Portfolio

Alex loves to draw and wants to apply to an art high school next year. He creates a website to showcase his best artwork and includes a short, professional biography about his passion for art and his future goals. He shares the link with his family and art teacher.

Scenario 7: Public Comment on News Article

Chen reads a news article about a local community event and disagrees with some of the comments posted by others. He writes a respectful and well-reasoned comment, stating his opinion and providing a link to an alternative viewpoint, all under his real name.

Scenario 8: Job Application & Social Media

Emily is applying for her first summer job. She has a public social media profile where she frequently posts pictures of parties and makes jokes that some might consider inappropriate. She doesn't think her social media matters for a summer job.

My Digital Pledge

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

We've learned that our digital footprint is like our online shadow—it follows us everywhere! Now it's time to think about the kind of mark you want to leave. This pledge is your personal commitment to being a responsible and positive digital citizen.

Part 1: Reflect on Your Digital Footprint

1. What are three things you frequently do online (e.g., social media, gaming, watching videos, research)?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Think about something you've posted or shared online in the past. If you could go back in time, would you change anything about it? Why or why not?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. In what ways do you think your current digital footprint represents who you are? Is there anything you'd want to change about that representation?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: My Digital Citizen Pledge

Complete the following statements to create your personal digital pledge. Be specific about the actions you will take.

I, ____________________________, pledge to be a responsible and positive digital citizen by:

1. Before I post or share anything online, I will ____________________________________________________________________________________________________.
   
   
   
   
   

2. To protect my privacy and the privacy of others, I will _______________________________________________________________________________________________.
   
   
   
   
   

3. When I interact with others online, I will always ____________________________________________________________________________________________________.
   
   
   
   
   

4. If I see something inappropriate or harmful online, I will _____________________________________________________________________________________________.
   
   
   
   
   

5. One new habit I will try to adopt to improve my digital footprint is ____________________________________________________________________________________.
   
   
   
   
   

My Signature: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________