Digital Footprints: The Social Media Trace
Digital Footprints: The Social Media Trace
Lesson duration is: 15 minItems in this lesson
Digital Footprints: The Social Media Trace
What do you already know about how social media posts last online?
Learning Objective
At the end of the lesson you will know how your actions on social media can have a lasting impact, especially on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat.
What is Digital Literacy?
Digital literacy is the ability to use, understand, and create information online safely and responsibly.
Popular Social Media Platforms
Snapchat
A messaging app where images and videos disappear after viewing.
TikTok
A platform for sharing short videos, dances, and trends.
The Myth of Disappearing Posts
Even if posts seem to vanish, they can be saved, screenshotted, or stored by others.
Permanent Ink: What Does It Mean?
Online actions can be permanent, just like ink on paper. Once shared, it can be hard to remove.
Examples of Digital Footprints
Every comment, like, or video leaves a trace. Others may keep copies, even if you delete them.
Who Sees What You Post?
Anything you put online can reach more people than you think—friends, family, strangers, or even future employers.
Private vs Public Sharing
Know the difference between private messages and public posts. Privacy settings are important, but not perfect.
Think Before You Post
Why Think First?
Some things are best kept off the internet. Once online, it's hard to control who sees it.
Smart Posting Tips
Ask yourself: Would I show this to my teacher or family? If not, don't post.
How to Manage Your Digital Footprint
Regularly check your posts and privacy settings. Delete old or unwanted content when you can.
Reflection
How can you use TikTok and Snapchat more safely and responsibly from today onward?
Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.
Write down 2 things you want to know more about.
Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.
