Module 1 of 6

Your Digital Identity

You have multiple digital identities — what you post, what's posted about you, and what platforms know about you. You have more control than you think, but less than you might want.

The Core Idea

You Are Not One Person Online

Every person in the digital world has at least three distinct digital identities running simultaneously — and most people don't realize it. Understanding all three is the foundation of digital safety.

Identity 1: Who You Present

The curated version you post — photos, captions, stories, comments. This is the identity you control most, but it is never fully private once posted.

Identity 2: What Others Post About You

Tags, photos, mentions, screenshots shared without your knowledge. You control none of this — and it can follow you further than anything you posted yourself.

Identity 3: What Platforms Know

The invisible profile: every search, every pause, every like, every location. This identity is often the most detailed and the least visible to you.

Public

Posts may be copied, searched, or reshared beyond the intended audience

Shared

Other people can shape your digital identity through tags and screenshots

Persistent

Deleting a post may not remove every copy

The Permanence Problem

Deleting a post does not erase it. Screenshots happen in seconds. Servers log requests. Search engines cache pages. A post you delete today can resurface years from now in a college application review, a job background check, or a news article.

The practical standard: Deleting can reduce visibility, but copies, screenshots, backups, or legally retained records may remain. Platform terms and retention practices differ and can change.

Reflection Activity

Your Digital Identity Audit

Answer honestly — no one else sees this. This is for your own awareness.

If someone Googled your name right now, what would they find?[Reflect]

Has anyone ever posted something about you without asking?[Reflect]

Is your online self the same as your in-person self?[Reflect]

What is the oldest thing you can find about yourself online?[Reflect]

Action step: Search your own name in an incognito/private browser window. See what comes up. You have the right to know what others see — and in some cases, the right to request removal.

Scenario Check

What Would You Do?

Tap each scenario to see the analysis.

Module Quiz

Test Your Understanding

8 questions — no limit on attempts.

Parent & Educator Information →