Digital Tattoo

I had never heard the term "digital tattoo" before, however, it makes complete sense. So what is a digital tattoo? "Our digital identity, or tattoo, is the permanent collection of data about us that is available online. Each time we post a picture, a blog, a status or a tweet, we are adding to that digital identity' (Binary Tattoo).

As a parent I am very aware of my son's digital tattoo. He is only two years old, however, I have posted pictures of him on social media, so has his grandma! However, I make a conscious effort to minimize his digital tattoo. I am minimalist when it comes to sharing publicly on social media, only a few posts a year and I often use my maiden name on accounts, so my students can't find me. 

When I began my data mine on myself I was expecting to find very little. This was true with my initial Google search of my name (both married and maiden name). I have Googled myself in the past and if anything came up, I tried to hide it or eliminate it as soon as possible! Also, nothing came up when I searched for myself on Nuwber. I felt like I was striking out (but was secretly relieved).

Then, I finally had some luck on Pipl! The information Pipl provided (see below) had some correct information (name, age, employer, places, and associated people), but was incorrect with the profile picture, username, and additional names. 

Screenshot of Pipl

I then looked at the second result, which had much less information, but it all seemed accurate.

Screenshot of Pipl results

I then checked out Intelius, which provided many results. Again, some information was correct, while other data was completely inaccurate. Many of the locations associated with my name are were actually my dad's locations, however, I did not reside with him.

Screenshot of Intelius results

Instant Checkmate seemed to have the most accurate information in the quick report that was generated. This website seemed to be the only site that associated my parents with me and not just my in-laws.

I did check Blockshopper, however, I couldn't locate any information on myself just by searching my name, however, when I put my address in then all the data available (taxes, schools, square footage, etc) was available. Tax data was dated, but I wish I only paid the amount of taxes that was listed!

Lastly, I took a look at Illinois Teacher Salaries. My students love to look for all their teachers salaries! The information was accurate from a few years ago, but it did not display my current salary.

Overall, I really enjoyed this assignment. I get a little nervous knowing what type of information is available by doing a few quick searches. But as Nicole mentioned in her video, if someone wants to find you they will.  I think this assignment is a great way to make you aware of what public records exist and how you are presented on the web. All student should data mine themselves to ensure what it out on the web is representative of their current selves.

Mapping My Digital Spaces

As David White stated, "Visitors and Residents is a simple way of describing the range of ways individuals can engage with the Web. It’s a continuum of ‘modes of engagement’ not two distinct categories."

I found mapping my digital spaces and analyzing my mode of engagement (visitor v. resident) a very interesting task! I was very shocked at the final product. I have always been one to be cautious of my digital footprint, however as my map shows, my digital footprint has grown in recent years. Every year there seems to be a new digital space to explore whether it is professional, personal or both. As an educator, I want to be aware of the digital spaces my students are interacting with and try to incorporate those spaces into my classes. Before creating my map, I though most of my digital spaces would have fallen under "Personal," so I was pleasantly surprised to see it was about a 50/50 split. I guess I never realized how may digital spaces I use in my professional life.

I believe that I would have more engaging interactions on the Internet if I was more of a resident in digital spaces. Often times I find myself searching for information, lesson ideas, and resources, however, I just "take" what I need, and never contribute to the conversation. My goal for the future is to get involve with the conversations and be a productive resident!

My Digital Spaces Map

For more information on Visitor and Residents visit the following:

• David White: http://daveowhite.com/vandr/
• Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement: http://firstmonday.org/article/view/3171/3049