When I think of the term "digital footprint," I immediately think of "carbon footprint." The two are remarkably similar. According to carbonfootprint.com, a carbon footprint is "a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change," or "a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent." Similarly, according to Pew Research Center Publications, a digital footprint is an "online data trail." To put it into my own words, it is the various ways by which one's name is left in the Internet, whether it be by photos, videos, or online credit card purchases. Just as we physically change the natural world that we live in, so do we leave our marks on the electronic world that we have created.
Erosion, natural disasters, or simply time could erase our carbon footprints. However, with today's advancements in technology, our digital footprints are not easily lost. A computer scientist or a hacker can retrieve lost or deleted data and display it for the world to see. Therefore, my creed is to avoid any actions online that could dishonor God or myself. I would not want anyone to doubt His goodness based on dirty marks on my digital footprint. Also, He has given me the freedom to use the Internet, so I must be a proper steward of that freedom and not abuse it. I need to be careful to not post personal information such as my address, phone number, social security number, or anything else that could jeopardize my safety.
Citations
Madden, Mary, Susannah Fox, Aaron Smith, and Jessica Vitak. "Digital Footprints: Online Identity Management and Search iin the Age of Transparency." Pew Research Center Publications. 16 Dec. 2007. Pew Research Center. 15 Jan. 2009 .
"What is a Carbon Footprint?" Carbon Footprint. 15 Jan. 2009 .
Ashbea, I really liked the layout look of your blog. It seemed to immediately relax me while preparing me to read a professional work. Thoughtful post and practical creed. I also enjoyed the way you opened with a comparison and artfully wove the two together. Someone else mentioned having problems with the URL display - did you as well?
ReplyDeleteThank you, but I can't take all the credit for the layout- I just used a template. I do like looking at plants though. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I did have problems with the URL display and also with copy/pasting citations. Blogger isn't letting me paste anything onto my posts...or maybe I'm doing it the wrong way.