Weekly Report & Reflection Blog Post #1

A Positive Digital Footprint

After completing the required reading for week one and improving my computer literacy, I have gained a new understanding of what a digital footprint is.  I have always had a negative connotation attached to this term, but after learning more about this topic I came to realize it is what you make it.  If you have left behind a negative footprint, or have used poor netiquette in the past it will remain available for everyone to see. By understanding the concept of a digital footprint and thinking before posting everyone should be capable of maintaining a positive digital footprint.  A digital footprint is produced with every comment, post, like, or thumbs up. Basically every single link that is clicked on is stored somewhere and becomes a digital footprint. The two rules that I have come away with this week are two of the most basic rules my parents have been teaching me offline, since I was young. 

Two Strategies to maintain a positive digital footprint:

Rule one: Remember the human.  The golden rule of do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.

Seems very basic, and it is.  However it is often forgot.  Most people find it easier to be offensive and rude from behind a keyboard, and wouldn’t dare say some of the things that they face to face that they say online.  We’ve all heard of various twitter wars that have erupted online due to the lack of this golden rule.  A disagreement is one thing, that’s fine and expected for people to have different views on topics, but the courage that many people have while sitting behind a keyboard needs to be considered.  If it is something you normally wouldn’t say to someone you are face to face with then you probably shouldn’t say it, OR if you don’t have anything nice to say, just don’t say anything.

Rule two: T.H.I.N.K.

To create a positive digital footprint it doesn’t take a lot of work, it just takes a little bit more thought. People need to THINK about what they are posting. Is it True, is it Helpful, is it Inspiring, is it Necessary and is it Kind? 

If you can look at something that you plan on posting, or writing and you realize that it does fit with these questions then you should post it. If it goes against any of these qualities then you should not.

 

These two rules are the foundation of good netiquette. Although my parents do not have a strong online presence they have instilled in me what good etiquette is - to be kind, thoughtful, understanding, patient, helpful, and inspiring in my daily life. All things that become second nature to good citizens can easily be transferred to the citizens of the internet.

The relationship between netiquette and a positive digital footprint are the same as etiquette and a positive footprint on mankind. If you remember the human and take a second to T.H.I.N.K. posting online can be beneficial, fun and show a positive side of who you really are.