Creating a Positive Digital Footprint
References:
http://thoughtfullearning.com/inquireHSbook/pg281
https://parentinfo.org/article/having-a-positive-digital-footprint
https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/blog/create-positive-digital-footprint-online
https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/11-tips-for-students-tomanage-their-digital-footprints/
Personal/Social Competency Reflection
I know that my digital footprint can have both positive and negative consequences, including my future job and university applications as well as my relationships with my friends, family, and peers, so I adjust my actions to create a positive, safe, and helpful digital footprint. Now that I am aware of why our digital footprint is important, I have now adjusted my way of thinking when it comes to using my social media accounts. I am more cautious with what I comment and post as I don’t want to emit a bad reputation towards my audience. Since it’s important to take advantage of your digital footprint so there aren’t only bad consequences that come from it, I decided to share my interests and things I am passionate about. This way, my friends, family, and peers as well as future employers to know what I stand for and advocate. Despite the risks that my digital footprint could come with consequences, I want to use it to create a safe and positive presence that can inspire others.
One of my preferred strategies for maintaining a healthy, balanced online presence is managing my social media accounts. I believe that this is important as my social media accounts portray my image towards other people, therefore I should make sure that it remains a positive and healthy environment. One way I manage my social media accounts is by going over my posts with a trusted friend or family member. For example, on Instagram, I consistently ask my sister whether something is appropriate to share to make sure I don’t post anything that can hurt me or other people. I try to post things that can hopefully make people happy while expressing who I am as a person. Additionally, I use my social media platforms to spread awareness to current issues and news to maintain a balanced online presence as well as to inspire others to share these topics in order to create a strong and safe online environment. Creating a healthy online presence should also involve taking breaks from social media as too much of it can affect my mental health. Although managing my social media accounts is the main strategy I use to maintain a healthy and balanced online presence, I hope that in the future I can find more strategies that will help me to use my digital footprint to its advantage.
Some of the ways I work to build and maintain online relationships are by supporting my friends and keeping in touch. I often reach out to help them and offer advice when they need help with posting things online. To maintain a healthy online relationship, I give my honest opinion and thoughts to them as well as discuss any misunderstandings or issues happening online. Additionally, I support my friends’ posts as well as share and aid their online goals while discussing relevant topics occurring in our world. Connecting to other peoples’ beliefs, values, and interests they post online has led me to build strong relationships with them. Due to the pandemic, it can be difficult to build and maintain our relationships with people, so I am glad that we can grow these relationships online.