Digital Footprint vs. Digital Tattoo……….
Many of us growing up with the internet have been told to be careful with the
information that we put out on the internet and have referred to our internet
interactions as digital footprints. However, there is a new term coined called
digital tattoos that might soon replace the term digital footprints. The
reasoning for this shift is because, like a tattoo, your digital mark is
permanent in nature, where a footprint can be erased/washed away.
Digital Footprint/Tattoo: (according to
The Wisconsin Department of Public Information ) “ A digital footprint (sometimes called digital tattoo)is the information that exists online about you and your activity”.
So what is the difference between a digital footprint and a digital tattoo?
Not too much, but this is the way I see them……
Both of them contain information that exists online about your activity, but how
the material is put out there makes them either a footprint or tattoo.
A Digital Footprint : These actions can be viewed as unintentional traces you
leave behind. (google searches, shopping etc.)
Digital Tattoo: This is chosen information that a person chooses to share and is
representative of themselves.
So I decided to dig into and see what my own digital footprint/tattoo looks like.
Data Mine (Me, Myself and I) …..
To begin my search, I started with Google. I searched for my current name in quotations “Kristen Hilton”. I wasn’t too
surprised that my search didn’t bring me up. When using social media platforms,
I try to set my settings to private and typically also include my maiden name.
So when I did the search again using “Kristen Anderson Hilton”, Google brought
up my Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook accounts and a picture of my
husband and me from our engagement photos, and to my surprise it brought
a comment I posted on our children’s pediatric office’s Facebook page.
Image Source: Blogger Photo &
Photo Credits: Bella Photography
I continued my search and looked at a variety of different sites to get a good
idea of what my digital tattoo/footprint was. As I continued my search, I wasn’t
too surprised by some of my findings. I found that most of the time I could
locate myself through the use of a married/current name or using a
combination of maiden & married name. However, when searching using just
my maiden name, the search came up empty. This didn’t surprise me too much
since I legally changed my middle name to my maiden name when I got married
and I feel that my online presence really didn’t take off till later in my adult life.
During my teenage years and young adulthood, the main online interactions I
had was through email and A.O.L. instant messenger; it wasn’t until my last year
in college did Facebook appear.
When searching Youtube , I was able to find all the art demo videos I use for my
classes that I have posted. This was the only ” professional” piece I was able to
locate. This isn’t too surprising since most of the stuff I have posted for school
has been on our school’s online platform Schoology or Powerschool which are
closed to only be viewed by the students and their families enrolled at
the school.
I was surprised that a few sites said they had located traffic records for my
name. (I got a few in my teenage/young adult years). The few sites that did
have this information only would provide it if I got a subscription to their website.
I chose to forgo this. I also found it interesting that a few sites listed family
members that as far as I am are not part of my family. TruthFinderlisted 3 other cities which I have never lived in but it had my correct current
city and my parents and siblings.
Below is infographic of my findings for each of sites used.
Image Source: Blogger Author created in Google Draw
Findings from People Finders
Image Source: Blogger Image
Findings from TruthFinder searching with my maiden name
Image Source: Blogger Author
Overall Thoughts…..
When reflecting on my findings, I find that I have very little professional digital
tattoos, and the majority of my digital tattoos are made through personal uses
on platforms like Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook. Taking this dive into my
online tattoos made me realize I need to help create and build more of a
professional online presence. Some of the ways I can do this is to continue to
post demo video on Youtube, continue to blog about my professional teaching
practice and discoveries, continue to expand and connect with my PLN
(Personal Learning Network) on Twitter and perhaps to create a professional
Instagram account to share my students art projects, classroom management,
supply organization etc.
Digital tattoos are not all bad; we just need to be aware of how we are putting
out content and ask if this information paints me in a positive light, and does it
represent me in a way that I want others to see me personally and professionally.
I think this image below demonstrates well how to leave a positive digital
tattoo/footprint. I believe as educators it is important the help our students
be aware of how to create a positive digital presence; however do not think this should only fall on teachers but be a group effort taught by both teachers and parents.
Cited Sources:
Peoplefindersinc. People Search, Reverse Phone, Address and Email Lookup retrieved on Oct. 13, 2022 from http://www.peoplefinders.com/
]The Profile The Digital Footprint retrieved on Oct. 13, 2022 from https://theprofilehhs.com/1428/editorials/the-digital-footprint/
TruthFinder TruthFinder - People Search, Reverse Phone Lookup, Address Lookup retrieved on Oct. 13, 2022 from https://www.truthfinder.com/
UpSavvy Five Tips for a Strong Digital Footprint: UpSavvy Blog retrieved on Oct. 13, 2022 from https://upsavvy.com/2021/12/27/five-tips-for-a-strong-digital-footprint/
Wedding photography | Wedding photographers | Bella Pictures Wedding photography: Wedding photographers: Bella Pictures retrieved on Oct. 13, 2022 from http://www.bellapictures.com/
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (2022, Aug. 25) Digital Footprint (Digital Tattoo) retrieved on Oct. 13, 2022 from https://dpi.wi.gov/internet-safety/digital-footprint#:~:text=A%20digital%20footprint%20(some times%20called,does%20not%20damage%20your%20reputation
Youtube Kristen Hilton retrieved on Oct. 13, 2022 from https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC30ln_ciClaKIiSEJPTTbeA/videos
Thanks for a detailed look into your digital persona. It's smart to do periodic checks even when you aren't too public.
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