Digital Footprint Detective

Instructions: Read each scenario below and determine whether the action creates a Positive (+), Negative (-), or Neutral (N) digital footprint. Explain your reasoning for each. Consider how this action might impact the person in the future.

Scenario 1: The Helpful Commenter

Maria sees a classmate struggling with a math problem on a public study group forum. She posts a detailed explanation, breaking down the steps to solve it, and encourages her classmate to ask more questions.

Footprint Type:

Reasoning and Impact:

Scenario 2: The Venting Post

Liam is frustrated with a group project. He posts a message on his private social media account, complaining about his group members, calling them lazy, and using some harsh language. He thinks only his close friends will see it.

Footprint Type:

Reasoning and Impact:

Scenario 3: The Sharing of Personal Info

Sarah wins a local art competition and is very excited. She posts a picture of her winning artwork on her public Instagram, along with a caption that includes her full name, the name of her school, and the exact time of the award ceremony.

Footprint Type:

Reasoning and Impact:

Scenario 4: The Gaming Streamer

David regularly streams his gameplay online. He uses a screen name, but sometimes his friends call him by his first name. He interacts with his viewers, keeps his language clean, and focuses on strategy for the game. He has a rule that he never shares personal information.

Footprint Type:

Reasoning and Impact:

Future Self Interview: What Will Your Digital Footprint Say?

Instructions: Imagine you are interviewing your future self (10 years from now) about your digital footprint. Discuss the following questions in small groups, then share your key takeaways with the class.

Discussion Questions:

1. Looking Back: "Future You," what is one online post or action you made in middle school that you are glad you made? Why was it a positive addition to your digital footprint?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Regrets or Lessons Learned: Is there anything you posted or did online in middle school that you regret, or that taught you a valuable lesson about your digital footprint? What was it, and why did it matter?
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Impact on Opportunities: How has your digital footprint (positive or negative) impacted your opportunities in life, such as getting into a certain high school, college, or even a job?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Advice to Your Younger Self: What advice would "Future You" give to your middle school self about managing your digital footprint and using social media responsibly?
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Online Reputation: How important is your online reputation to "Future You"? How do you maintain a positive one?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Group Share Out:

Be prepared to share 1-2 key insights or pieces of advice from your group's "Future Self Interview" with the rest of the class.

My Digital Pledge

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about digital footprints. In the space below, write a personal pledge outlining one or two specific actions you will take to manage your digital footprint responsibly and contribute to a positive online environment.

My Pledge:

I, __________________________, pledge to (choose one or two specific actions and explain why):

1. ____________________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   Because: _____________________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   
   
   Because: _____________________________________________________________________________
   
   
   My Signature: _________________________ Date: _______________