Q.2.2 Digital footprints can be construed as trails that digital citizens leave online. Do you think that digital footprints could become a problem? Discuss.

Footprint image. [Online] https://goo.gl/qXbjduhttps://goo.gl/qXbjdu [Accessed: 01 March 2017].

Let us look at what digital footprints are:

"It is the trail, traces or 'footprints'that people leave online."  This simply means that everything you do online, stays online whether you do delete information or not, e.g. browsing history, social media, photographs and videos that are uploaded, etc.  There are both positive and negative sides to digital footprints.

Let us look at the positive aspect:

1.  Detection of legal or fraudulent issues.

2.  Personalisation can add value to the use of the internet.
3.  Companies can offer incentives according to interests and needs resulting in cost savings.
4.  The ability to reach new markets online minimising expenses.

The negative side is:

1.  Personal information can be used without our knowledge.
2.  Negative reviews can be posted by irate customers and are there forever.
3.  Constant adverts and information that are sent via 3rd parties

References:

Digital Citizenship Module Manual 2016 (First Edition: 2015)

Pros And Cons Of Your Digital Footprint. 2013. [Online]. Available at:
http://www.vivint.com/neighborhood/tech-neighbor/pros-and-cons-of-your-digital-footprint/ [Accessed 02 March 2017].