Module Goal: What Seniors Should Learn

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• Understand what a digital footprint is.

• Recognize how your online activities create a record over time.

• Learn why privacy settings are important.

• Understand how companies collect information about you.

• Protect your personal information online.

• Build safe online habits that help keep your information secure.

1.What Is a Digital Footprint?

Every time you use the internet, you leave behind pieces of information. This collection of information is called your digital footprint.

Think of a digital footprint like footprints in the sand. Even after you leave, signs of where you have been may remain.

Your digital footprint is created whenever you:

• Visit websites.

• Search for information.

• Shop online.

• Use social media.

• Watch videos.

• Download apps.

• Sign up for newsletters.

• Leave reviews.

• Send emails.

• Fill out online forms.

Some of this information is visible to other people, while some is collected behind the scenes by websites and apps.

2.Active and Passive Digital Footprints

There are two main types of digital footprints.

Active Digital Footprint

An active digital footprint is information you choose to share.

Examples include:

• Social media posts

• Photos

• Comments

• Reviews

• Messages

• Online profiles

• Videos you upload

Because you choose to share this information, think carefully before posting.

Passive Digital Footprint

A passive digital footprint is information collected automatically while you use the internet.

Examples include:

• Websites you visit

• Search history

• Your approximate location (if location services are enabled)

• Device information

• Browser type

• Cookies that remember your preferences

• How long you stay on a website

Many websites use this information to improve their services or show advertisements that match your interests.

3.What Is an Online Identity?

Your online identity is how you appear on the internet.

It includes:

• Your name

• Profile pictures

• Social media accounts

• Comments you leave

• Reviews you write

• Photos you share

• Information people can find about you online

Everything you share contributes to the impression others may have of you.

4.How Do Companies Collect Information?

Many websites and apps collect information about how people use their services.

They may collect information such as:

• The pages you visit

• Products you search for

• Videos you watch

• Advertisements you click

• Your general location

• The type of device you use

Companies often use this information to:

• Recommend products.

• Personalize advertisements.

• Improve their websites.

• Understand what users are interested in.

Many websites explain what information they collect in their Privacy Policy.

5.What Are Cookies?

A cookie is a small file that a website saves on your device.

Cookies can:

• Remember your login information.

• Keep items in your shopping cart.

• Save your language preferences.

• Help websites recognize returning visitors.

Some cookies improve your browsing experience, while others help companies understand browsing habits for advertising purposes.

Many websites allow you to choose which cookies you accept.

6.Can You Erase Your Digital Footprint?

It can be difficult to completely erase information once it has been shared online.

Even if you delete a post:

• Someone may have taken a screenshot.

• Other websites may have copied the information.

• Search engines may have temporarily stored it.

• The platform may keep copies for a period of time.

Although you cannot erase everything, you can still make thoughtful decisions about what you share in the future.