Question 2.2 - Digital Footprints

A “footprint” can be defined as the impression left by a foot or shoe of a person on the ground or a surface; or ‘the area occupied or affected by something.’

Source: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/footprint

By virtue of nature, as an individual treads through their life, they leave behind a trail of “footprints” indicating their progress, their impact, evidence of their existence – Similarly, with the mass advent and accessibility of digital platforms in our times, digital citizens create such a trail of data when using the internet.

We live in an era where our digital footprints lead right to our doorsteps.

So, is this a good or bad thing?

Even though the concept of leaving behind an irrevocable digital footprint may sound alarming, it has the following major advantages:

·        It makes tracking transactions a whole lot easier and more accurate – Thus, it is possible to detect online fraud, theft, crimes, etc.

Source: https://www.vivint.com/resources/article/pros-and-cons-of-your-digital-footprint

·        It enables one to build an online network to further one’s goals and career.

·        It allows you to create a ‘digital persona' which leaves you able to share your knowledge, talents and views and receive due credit for it.

·        It enables the personification of your digital tools – applications will be more suited to your personal needs.

However, with these advantages come the following disadvantages:

·        Owing to the vastness of accessibility and physical anonymity attached to digital platforms, many digital citizens experience what is known as the “Online disinhibition effect”. This refers to the disregard of social restrictions and inhibitions that would otherwise exist in physical, face-to-face communication.

Souce: https://portal.iie.ac.za/Student%20Manuals/DIGC5110_Digital_Citizenship/2019/STManual.pdf

This often results in people forgetting their accountability of their digital actions, leading them to behave irresponsibly, unprofessionally and unethically online. This behaviour is traceable through digital footprints and could result in many negative outcomes.

·        Leaving behind a digital footprint compromises privacy, safety and security.

·        Online firms are always secretly using people’s digital footprints to generate revenue that people don’t even know about.

Source: https://www.vivint.com/resources/article/pros-and-cons-of-your-digital-footprint

Ultimately, I believe digital footprints are a powerful tool for expression and facilitating goals and networks. However, while leaving behind this trail of data, digital citizens must always exercise caution and remember to protect their safety at all times.