Digital Society
A society with technological advancements in which almost every activities of the individuals is influenced by technologies in one way or another is termed as digital society. Many interactions in such a society take place electronically.
Digital Citizenship
A person with the knowledge and skillset to use digital technology to participate in society, communicate with others, and create and consume digital content can be referred to as a digital citizen. The responsibility and duties of a digital citizen in a digital community is their digital citizenship.
A digital citizenship includes:
- Appropriate online good manners
- Literacy in how digital technologies work and how to use them
- An understanding of ethics and related law
- Knowing how to stay safe online
- Advice on related health and safety issues of the internet
- Practicing digital wellness and digital literacy
Digital Footprint
A digital footprint is the data traces of all the online activities that a person performs while using the Internet. It can be considered as an online user’s identity and individuality. The digital footprint is a permanent idea, and it directly correlates with how long you use social networking and how you use it. A digital footprint is basically like an invisible report card that is stored for a long period of time and gives a general reflection of your online activity.
Active Digital footprints are the traces of data that are created when a user intentionally performs some activities on the internet. Like: using social media, participating in online forums, filling out online forms, and agreeing to install cookies on the computer.
Passive Digital footprints are the traces that are created without the knowledge of users. It is a hidden process. Like: when browsers automatically install cookies, advertisements based on likes, and apps that pinpoint geolocations.
But Why Digital Footprint?
Digital citizens all automatically accept the digital footprints they create during their use of social platforms. Those digital footprints can be used to track users’ activities, their personal information, and login details that the user has disclosed online. Such activities show the downside of digital footprint, but they are avoidable with proper knowledge. The main reason for the usage of digital footprint is for law enforcement offices, universities, and employers as a basis for character assessment. Since a digital footprint creates an online reputation and impression depending on the user's activities, it is very necessary to have a positive digital footprint.