Reflecting on the topics we considered in class, several significant themes emerge that warrant further discussion and contemplation. These include cyber vigilantism and cyber shaming, digital footprints, and the right to have elements of our digital footprint forgotten. Each of these topics carries profound implications for our personal and collective experiences in the digital age.
Cyber vigilantism and cyber shaming have become increasingly prevalent with the rise of social media and digital communication platforms. Cyber vigilantism refers to individuals taking the law into their own hands, often by exposing and shaming perceived wrongdoers online. While sometimes well intentioned, these actions can spiral out of control, leading to severe consequences for those targeted, including harassment, threats, and even loss of employment.
Our digital footprints are the traces we leave behind when we use the internet. These include social media posts, search histories, online purchases, and more. While having a digital presence can be beneficial, it also means that personal information is constantly being collected, often without our explicit consent.
A key concern here is privacy. Companies collect vast amounts of data to tailor advertisements and services, but this data can also be misused or exposed through data breaches.
Another aspect of digital footprints is their permanence. Once something is posted online, it can be challenging to remove entirely. This permanence can affect individuals’ future opportunities, as potential employers or others may come across information that was intended to be private or that no longer represents the individual accurately.
The right to be forgotten is a concept that has gained traction, particularly in the European Union. It allows individuals to request the removal of personal information from the internet under certain conditions. This right aims to give people control over their digital footprints and mitigate the long term consequences of past actions.
However, implementing this right poses challenges. Balancing the right to be forgotten with the public’s right to information is complex. For example, should a person’s criminal record be erased from public view if they have served their time and rehabilitated? While the intent is to protect privacy and allow for personal growth, it can also lead to conflicts with transparency and accountability.
As we move forward it is clear that education, legislation, and tech solutions are key areas we must grow in to find success going forward. The discussions around cyber vigilantism, digital footprints, and the right to be forgotten highlight the need for a new approach to digital citizenship. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our understanding and management of these issues, ensuring that the digital world remains a space for positive interaction and growth. Here is a video that may give your students some insight of how to keep control of there digital footprint. 