DGB 3: Digital Identity and Reputation
Profiles, posts, comments, images, usernames and public interactions contribute to how a person is perceived online. A digital identity is not the whole person, but digital traces can have long-term effects. Privacy, context and deliberate self-presentation therefore matter.
Curriculum reference
[Bearbeiten]| Area | Classification |
|---|---|
| Competence area | Communication |
| Perspectives | G, I |
| Focus | Reflectively shaping digital identities and protecting digital reputation |
| Competence | Shape one's own digital identities reflectively, follow how digital reputation develops and use suitable strategies to protect it. |
Learning objectives
[Bearbeiten]Students can:
- distinguish digital identity from digital reputation;
- name elements of digital self-presentation;
- recognise different roles in school, leisure and public contexts;
- explain how digital traces are created and may be forwarded;
- use privacy settings as one protective measure;
- recognise risks from careless posts, tags and forwarding;
- plan a positive and authentic digital presence;
- name suitable responses and sources of help for problematic content;
- reflect on reputation without revealing unnecessary private information.
Learning content
[Bearbeiten]What digital identity means
[Bearbeiten]Digital identity includes usernames, profile images, descriptions, posts, comments, reactions, shared content, communication style and platform choices. Other people's tags or mentions can also become part of the visible picture.
Different roles and contexts
[Bearbeiten]People may present different aspects of themselves in a learning platform, gaming community, private chat or public profile. Context matters, and content intended for one group can sometimes reach another.
Digital reputation
[Bearbeiten]Reputation is the impression others form over time. It can be influenced by quality of communication, consistency, public contributions and third-party content, not just by a single profile.
Digital traces
[Bearbeiten]Posts, comments, metadata, screenshots, archives and forwarded content can create traces that remain after the original action. Deleting a post does not guarantee that every copy disappears.
Privacy settings and visibility
[Bearbeiten]Audience controls, profile visibility, tagging rules and account security reduce unnecessary exposure. Settings should be reviewed because services and personal circumstances change.
Problematic content and responses
[Bearbeiten]If harmful or unwanted content appears, useful steps can include documenting the issue, using platform reporting tools, requesting removal, changing access settings and seeking support from trusted adults or relevant services.
Positive and authentic presence
[Bearbeiten]A positive digital presence does not mean creating a perfect image. It means choosing what to make public, communicating respectfully and sharing work or interests in ways that fit the intended context.
Protecting reputation
[Bearbeiten]Think before posting, use appropriate audiences, protect accounts, avoid unnecessary personal details and review old public material. Prevention and response strategies work together.
Observing and developing one's digital presence
[Bearbeiten]Occasional self-checks can help identify outdated public information or inconsistent privacy choices. Such checks should be carried out without turning into constant surveillance of oneself.
Classroom activities
[Bearbeiten]Make digital roles visible
[Bearbeiten]Map fictional roles such as student, gamer, friend and public contributor and discuss suitable boundaries.
Expected outcome: A role map.
Analyse profiles and posts
[Bearbeiten]Evaluate prepared profiles for audience, tone, privacy and likely first impression.
Expected outcome: A profile analysis.
Compare first impressions
[Bearbeiten]Show how the same information can create different impressions in different contexts.
Expected outcome: A context comparison.
Trace digital footprints
[Bearbeiten]Follow how a fictional post could be copied, tagged, forwarded or archived.
Expected outcome: A trace diagram.
Plan privacy settings
[Bearbeiten]Choose appropriate visibility and tagging settings for several scenarios.
Expected outcome: A settings plan.
Rewrite problematic posts
[Bearbeiten]Improve fictional posts that reveal unnecessary data or create avoidable reputational risk.
Expected outcome: Safer alternatives.
Take other perspectives
[Bearbeiten]Evaluate one post from the viewpoints of a friend, teacher, stranger and future public audience.
Expected outcome: A perspective map.
Design a positive digital presence
[Bearbeiten]Create a fictional project profile that shows interests and achievements without unnecessary private data.
Expected outcome: A profile concept.
Develop a protection guide
[Bearbeiten]Write practical steps for prevention, monitoring and response.
Expected outcome: A reputation-protection guide.
Reflect on authenticity
[Bearbeiten]Explain how to be deliberate online without pretending to be someone else.
Expected outcome: A short reflection.
Self-check
[Bearbeiten]- I can distinguish digital identity from digital reputation.
- I can recognise digital traces and context collapse.
- I can use privacy and account settings deliberately.
- I understand that third-party content can affect reputation.
- I can design a positive presence without unnecessary personal data.
- I know what to do if problematic content appears.