Hey Siri "Google Johnnie Allen Jr." —What does my 'digital footprint' say about me?

Have you ever considered what is shown after entering your name into Google? I hope your answer is yes! Well, I have many times, and the first time I searched Google to see what images, links, articles, or posts would come up, I was nervous. I never really knew what would be attached to my name as the fear of whatever you put out in the digital world will live FOREVER. So, that is where my nerves kicked in. However, after I did it, I was content as most of the links were from interviews I have done during either my undergrad, master or now doctoral journey. In addition, some images were headshots on university websites or student social media accounts. While reading this week, I explored Dennen's (2015) article Technology Transience and Learner Data Shifting Notions of Privacy in Online Learning, where there was an intentional discussion on the intersection of technology usage and privacy in digital and online environments/settings. One aspect of the article that stood out to me is the introduction to 'digital footprints,' which I consider to be a personal tracker of all activities that exist online regarding anything that is attached to a person's identity, either individually shared or shared by others (Dennen, 2015). An interesting aspect of digital footprints is the online actions and information shared amongst third parties that are entirely out of my control. What are your thoughts about digital footprints and the information you can not control that others share? How does that make you feel? Is there a way to prevent this from occurring?

If you are interested! I attached a few links to information that is a part of my digital footprint, along with a screenshot of what is shown when typing "Johnnie Allen Jr." in the images section of Google. I did this in my regular browser and an incognito window to see if there were differences. After comparing both, there were no differences. The same information was reflected. What happens when you Google (insert your name)? Feel free to leave comments and screenshots below. 😊

FSU Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards

Kate Hevner Muller Outstanding Senior Award —Indiana University Bloomington

@JohnnieLAllenJr.—Twitter

Indiana University Student Personal Association—President

Reference:

Dennen, V. P. (2015). Technology transience and learner data: Shifting notions of privacy in online learning. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 16(2), 45-60.

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