Posting with a Purpose

Hi everyone, it’s Lee the Know IT All back again!

We are virtually always connected to something since we live in a digital society. We are always online, whether it be to check Instagram, browse TikTok, respond to a message, or quickly Google something for school. It is so normal now that sometimes we forget that every post, like, comment, and even search leaves a small digital trail behind.

To be honest, I never gave privacy or digital footprints much thought when I initially started using social media. Like most others, I was just mindlessly having fun using the platforms to connect with friends, watch videos, and share moments. However, as I gained more knowledge about technology and information systems, I began to consider what I was really posting online.

Now I try to be a little more mindful, especially when it comes to privacy. I try to be careful about what I share publicly, even with a private account. Things like my exact location, personal contact information, or anything that could compromise my safety are some of the things I avoid posting. Even something as simple as a photo or a comment can stick around longer than we expect, so before posting, I pause and think, “Would I still be okay with this being online a few years from now?”

Security is another thing I pay attention to that is also tied to my privacy. When I was younger, I used the same password across the board for all platforms, and it wasn’t even a very strong one, but now I try to use stronger passwords and avoid using the same one for everything. I also make sure to log out of accounts when using a shared computer and I also enable two-factor authentication wherever I can. It may seem like small habits, but these are little steps that make a big difference when it comes to protecting personal information.

Social media today moves incredibly fast. We have platforms now like Instagram and TikTok that make it easy to post without thinking too much about the long term but as I said before, things can stay online for a very long time. Because of that, I try to keep my online presence fairly positive and intentional.

As someone studying and working in the library and information field, I think school libraries can play a big role in helping students understand these types of things. Many students grow up using technology but don’t always think about digital footprints or online safety. Librarians can help by hosting simple workshops or discussions about digital citizenship, showing students how to manage privacy settings, to create secure passwords and recognize things like phishing scams and also to think more critically about what they share online.

Another idea could be activities where students explore their own digital footprint with something as simple as searching their name online and discussing what shows up. Sometimes that alone can make people think twice about what they share.

Technology and social media are both not going anywhere. They have become a part of how we communicate, learn and even entertain ourselves now but being aware of our digital habits can help us use these tools safely and make smarter choices about what we share and how we interact online.



References

Common Sense Education. (2020). Digital citizenship curriculum: Addressing today’s challenges. https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship

National Cyber Security Centre. (2023). Password guidance: Simplifying your approach. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/passwords

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