By: Jacki Reinert, Psy.D., LMHC
Pediatric Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow
In this week’s Modern Parenting blog, let’s talk a little bit about all of those footprints you have been leaving around.
Do you remember that photo you shared on Facebook last week, or that status you “liked”? Chances are high that you don’t remember which photo or what status I am referring to, but fortunately for busy parents whose memories are fading, the Internet never forgets. As a social media consumer, your digital footprint is a literal trail of all the “stuff” you leave behind when you utilize the Internet. Your digital footprint is more than just your Facebook profile or Pinterest board; it includes comments you have made on social media platforms, that scathing Yelp review you left for a restaurant, Google Voice calls you have made, apps you have utilized, and emails you have sent.
Whether we like it or not, our digital footprints matter. Students’ acceptances to Harvard were rescinded last year (http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2017/6/5/2021-offers-rescinded-memes/) following a commonly-utilized practice of looking at potential students’ social media accounts (Kaplan, 2016). College admissions officers aren’t the only ones looking at social media; perceived misbehavior and racially insensitive comments made by individuals who serve the local community are also being reported and for many this has resulted in disciplinary action such as being fired (http://www.wdtn.com/news/local-news/springfield-employee-fired-for-racially-insensitive-social-media-post/1034324069).
When was the last time you Googled your name? Your child’s name? That Instagram user name? A useful way to track your digital footprint is to routinely Google your name, and doing this with your child is a great way to open up a dialogue about social media and Internet use. Google your full name, your nickname, your maiden name, and your most popular social media user name to see what pops up. The information found in your Google search is part of your digital footprint. A quick and easy way to monitor what content is highlighted online is to establish a Google Alert. In order to do this, go to google.com/alerts and enter in names you want to track. Select “Show Options” to narrow your alerts to specific platforms, locations, and the frequency of your alerts.
Another simple way to maintain your own digital footprint, as well as assist your children in cultivating their own, is by utilizing privacy settings whenever possible, and Facebook (FB) is a great place to start. To begin, click on your FB profile, and notice those three little dots at the bottom right of your cover page? Click on “View As” and voila! You can view your profile as a stranger sees it. What do you notice? Are your photos visible? All of those memes you’ve shared, are they visible as well? Teaching kids to do this is an easy way for them to have autonomy over their profiles and can establish a teachable moment where you can further discuss what they want to project out into the world.
Read the rest of this series:
Modern Parenting – Part 1: A Heartfelt Series of Social Media Tips
Modern Parenting – Part 3: Sarahah, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Oh My! Navigating the Wide World of Apps
About the Author:
Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents (NESCA) is a pediatric neuropsychology practice and integrative treatment center with offices in Newton, Massachusetts, Plainville, Massachusetts, and Londonderry, New Hampshire, serving clients from preschool through young adulthood and their families. For more information, please email info@nesca-newton.com or call 617-658-9800.