A digital footprint is your own private imprint in cyberspace, and most of us have one. Problems can start, though, when you cross the boundary of private into personal.
So how do you keep private in a world that's designed to be public? Where do you draw the line between what you share with your mates and what you keep to yourself? And how much of your information do you want strangers to see?
Sometimes it's easy to forget that what you put in cyberspace stays in cyberspace. Below are some scenarios that might sound familiar. Have a think if they relate to you or someone you know.
Scenario 1: Private Photos
- Your boyfriend asks you to send him a private photo of yourself
- He says it will be fun and that he won't show it to anyone else
- You agree - after all you're a couple, so what could go wrong?
- A week after sending him the photo, you have a huge argument and break up
- Your ex decides to post the photo on his Facebook page to get back at you
- Not only do your friends see the picture, but so do total strangers
Once you send a photo using your mobile or computer, you have NO control over who can and can't view it.
Scenario 2: Who do you want to know?
- You have over a hundred "friends" on Facebook
- You talk to about a quarter of those 'friends' on a regular basis, the rest are people you've met from school, socialising online or at parties (i.e. not super-close mates)
- Something stressful happens - a fight with a friend, a job rejection or a break-up with your boyfriend/girlfriend
- You decide to vent on Facebook and describe exactly how you feel - angry, sad, hurt - so everyone can feel your pain
- All of your Facebook friends, including some you've never spoken to before, know exactly how you're feeling - is this what you want?
Think before you post! As a rule, when you're mad, upset or sad, take a deep breath and wait a while before describing your feelings online. And always ask yourself: do I want everyone to know how I'm feeling?
Scenario 3: Cyber arguments
- You and your friends regularly talk on chat sites
- You have an argument with someone at school
- Instead of trying to smooth things over face-to-face, you end up posting comments about each other online
- Some of your comments get really nasty - you wish you could take them back, but it's too late
- The fight gets so bad that your other friends start taking sides, all because of some words that got out of hand on the net
Don't use chat sites to settle arguments. The best way to fix a relationship is to talk to someone calmly, face-to-face.
Scenario 4: Employers checking you out
- You have a blog that you use to express yourself about anything and everything - it's a little radical, contains the odd swear word, but who cares because it's only your mates who see it, right?
- You apply for a job - casual work while you're still at school or perhaps your first 'proper' job after year 12
- Your potential employer enters your name into Google to see what they can find out about you: bingo! it's your blog
- Unfortunately, they don't like what they see and it turns them off employing you
Beware! Many employers search the digital footprints of job applicants before employing them. If they don't like what they see, they might not employ you.
Tips for keeping the private v. personal balance right
- Never send private photos: once you press "send" you've lost control of the image
- From time-to-time do a cull of your "friends" on social networking sites - if you haven't spoken to someone in a year, are they really worth keeping as a friend?
- Think before you post! Do you really need to share all that personal information?
- Keep in mind that whatever you post online has the potential to exist for the rest of your lifetime
- Assume that potential employers will put your name into a search engine before deciding to employ you
- Never try to settle an argument in cyberspace: you're likely to start a flame war
- If you want to remain anonymous online, use a pseudonym and don't display personal information
- Finally, always ask yourself, "Am I happy for the whole world to see this?" - because most times they can
Helpful Links
The Wood Verdict
Tom Wood’s blog on cyber bullying is based on first-hand experience. Check out his Complete Guide to Stopping Cyber Bullying entry.
Cybersmart
Information on cyber bullying for parents and teachers, as well as young people.
Bullying. No way!
An informative site put together by Australian school communities.
Kids Help Line
Kids Help Line is a free, confidential and anonymous telephone and online counselling service for young people.
Reach Out
Informative page on cyber bullying aimed at a youth audience.
