When learning to write among digital spaces, privacy is a tremendous issue. Whether they are aware of it or not, many individuals encounter this issue. Lindsey C. Kim discusses this topic in her article titled “Understanding and Maintaining Your Privacy When Writing with Digital Technologies”. Kim argues that when using digital spaces for writing, control is lost. She states that “we aren’t able to engage in effective argument or discussion” because of the information we are presented. We begin to only see other sources of information that agree with the topic at hand. The “we” she refers to are individuals who use digital technologies for writing. However, I find it hard to believe that exposing writing to digital technologies limits one’s ability at all.
Let’s say, for example, that I choose to write about how dogs are the best pet to have. I then choose to publish this online. Now, the digital platforms I am using will likely give me more information about dogs. In addition to this, I will likely be provided with other resources that agree with my statement. However, this does not prevent me from having a thoughtful conversation with another individual who may believe otherwise. In fact, it is likely that I would have done research on this topic before publishing it online. This implies that I would have to be aware of why other animals may be seen as better pets. Although I may not ultimately agree with other individuals on their choice of pet, only an uneducated individual will limit their interactions and discussions with others to prevent their perspective from being challenged.
Digital Footprint
Kim’s article allowed me to recall information from an article I had previously read about digital footprint. Published by The CEO Magazine, “How Your Digital Footprint Can Impact Your Career” discussed the consequences of an individual’s digital footprint. The use of social media and different technologies became popular throughout my middle school years. With that, so did the constant warnings about my digital footprint from both my parents and teachers. However, it wasn’t until I began looking for jobs that my digital footprint was something I became conscious of. As I entered college, I became more mindful of the content I was posting.
Now more than ever, employers are looking at an individual’s digital footprint to determine whether or not they would be a good candidate for a position at their company. This goes hand in hand with both privacy on the internet and the content being uploaded. In order to use these technologies for writing, individuals must educate themselves on the ramifications of using these spaces. By doing this, individuals are ensuring that their privacy is protected. In addition to this, individuals must be aware when the content they are seeing is shifting. Oftentimes, content online can shift to fit one’s views and beliefs. This can cause one’s perspective to be isolated. Education is the first step in ensuring privacy online.
Technology
Understanding that there are consequences to using digital technology and what these consequences are is something that must be taught. Martha Fay Burtis discusses this at a presentation titled “Messy & Chaotic Learning” that she gave at Keene State College. Although some may disagree with her opinion on teaching students about their digital privacy and their use of digital technology, it is a concept that must be reviewed. I ultimately believe that it should be addressed in colleges and universities, potentially even sooner. The extent to which this topic should be discussed does not have to be extreme, nor does it have to be in much depth. However, turning a blind eye to the negative effects of digital technology while simultaneously forcing students to use it, can be detrimental and set students up for failure.
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