WVMS students learn the importance of a positive digital footprint

Warwick Valley Middle School students gathered in the gymnasium today for an assembly presented by the organization My Life Online. The group teaches students about being safe online, why their digital footprint matters, and how to interact with each other on social media. WVMS Principal Jared Yapkowitz opened the assembly by setting a serious tone for the audience of digital natives, outlining some of the important topics to be addressed and the impacts that online choices can have on their lives.

“The reason we have this program is because this is the first generation to grow up with text messaging in their pockets and social media at their fingertips,” Mr. Yapkowitz said. “My Life Online gives students a clear set of values, principles, and social skills needed to guide their lives online. Today’s message will be centered around being safe, smart, and kind online.”

Presenter Joe Fingerhut greeted students and dove right into the importance of making the right choices when deciding to post, comment, or repost something online. He helped students consider both sides of the social media coin, pointing out that while it can be a very big and scary environment, it can also be a good thing if you use it to amplify the good aspects of who you are.

“When you post or share something, it stays online forever,” warned Mr. Fingerhut in his opening remarks. “Assume that it can be seen by everyone. If your life online is a billboard that shows every aspect of your life and stays out there forever, you need to ask yourself, ‘What do I want to say to the world?’”

Mr. Fingerhut further explained just how fast and easy it is to use social media to share with the world the things you choose to reflect who you are as a person. It’s those things that will ultimately shape how others perceive you and, as such, posting and sharing calls for careful consideration and discernment every time you log on to say something.

“More importantly,” he said, “Think about what you want the world to be saying about you!”

The presentation explained to students what their “digital footprint” is and how online activity can have both positive and negative outcomes for people of all ages. Mr. Fingerhut stressed the absolute importance of maintaining a positive presence online.

“It’s easy to spread positivity, but you have to make an effort, and you have to consider what you are posting,” he said. “You have the power to spread positivity in your life!”

To wrap up the assembly, Mr. Fingerhut led students in the My Life Online Manifesto, which was intended to really drive home the key points the students had learned during the assembly.

The internet will either help my chances, or
hurt my chances of getting what I want in life.

When I post something, it can be seen by everyone.

Social media is not a good thing or a bad thing,
it just amplifies who I already am.

I get to decide who I want to be.

Social media is a billboard for my behavior.

So, the question becomes:
What do I want to say to the world,
and what do I want the world to say about me?