Understanding and Managing Your Digital Footprint

During the All Digital Weeks 2025. will be organized  a dynamic 3 hour interactive workshop “Understanding and Managing Your Digital Footprint” which aims to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the digital world with confidence. By understanding how to manage their digital footprints, participants will be better prepared to protect their privacy, enhance their online reputation, and make informed decisions about their digital activities. This digital interactive workshop is designed for students, including a broad audience who want to understand the long-term impact of their online activities, educators who seek to guide their students in responsible digital behavior, and professionals who wish to maintain a positive online presence. Content creators will also benefit from this session by learning strategies to protect their digital identity while maintaining engagement. Additionally, members of the general public who are concerned about online privacy, security, and reputation management are encouraged to attend. The workshop will last between two to three hours, ensuring sufficient time for expert discussions, hands-on activities, and participant engagement.

The primary objective of this workshop is to explore the concept of a digital footprint, how it is created, and the ways it impacts personal privacy, reputation, and safety. Participants will learn the significance of managing their digital presence and discover strategies to safeguard themselves from potential digital risks. Through interactive discussions and practical activities, attendees will gain essential skills to maintain a positive and secure digital footprint in today’s interconnected world.

The session will begin with a welcome and introduction. This opening segment will introduce participants to the concept of a digital footprint. It will explain how every online action, whether posting on social media, shopping, or browsing websites contributes to their online presence. To set the stage for deeper reflection, an engaging icebreaker activity called “Digital Trace?” will take place. Participants will be asked to estimate how much personal information can be found about them online based on their past digital activity.

A keynote talk will follow, focusing on the importance and impact of digital footprints. A digital privacy expert will lead this discussion, explaining how digital footprints are formed through various online activities, including social media interactions, search history, and data provided to apps and websites. The presentation will also highlight potential risks associated with an unmanaged digital footprint, such as identity theft, privacy breaches, and damage to one’s personal and professional reputation.

Next, an interactive session will provide practical insights into managing digital footprints. Participants will engage in a hands-on activity where they analyze different digital footprints, including examples of public profiles, social media posts, and search histories. This exercise will help them recognize how digital footprints develop and how they can take control of their online presence. The session will also emphasize the importance of privacy settings, strong passwords, and critical thinking before sharing personal information online. A panel discussion will then explore how digital footprints affect personal and professional lives. 

The workshop will continue with a practical group activity focused on creating a personal digital footprint management plan. Participants will work in small groups to develop strategies for effectively managing their online presence. They will identify what content should be shared publicly, what should remain private, and how to regularly monitor their digital footprints to minimize risks. Each group will present their key strategies, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

The workshop will conclude with closing remarks and a Q&A session.To summarize the key takeaways from the session, facilitators will highlight the importance of taking control of one’s digital presence. Participants will be encouraged to apply the strategies they have learned in their daily online activities to enhance privacy, security, and reputation management. A final Q&A session will provide attendees with the opportunity to ask questions, share reflections, and seek further guidance on digital footprint management.

By the end of this workshop, participants will: Develop a clear understanding of what a digital footprint is and how it impacts their personal and professional lives, Learn effective strategies for managing and maintaining a positive and secure digital presence, Gain practical knowledge on protecting their online privacy and security, Build a responsible approach to digital engagement through community awareness and best practices.

Organizer; Nada Ratković, prof. savjetnik, Srednja strukovna škola bana Josipa Jelačića Sinj, Dinka Šimunovića 14, 21230 Sinj, Croatia