The internet has a long memory.

Something that feels temporary today can sometimes become searchable, shareable or discoverable much later. That doesn’t mean students should be afraid to participate online—but they should understand how digital reputation works.

In this course, students look at their digital footprint through the eyes of someone who doesn’t already know them.

What might a college admissions officer see? A coach? A future employer? A potential client? A new friend?

Students will:

• Explore how online reputation is formed.

• Learn why screenshots, search results and shared content can outlive the original post.

• Discuss privacy versus true digital permanence.

• Consider how context changes the way online content may be interpreted.

• Conduct a private digital reputation audit.

• Identify content they may want to remove, update, strengthen or balance with more intentional content.

• Create personal guidelines for future posting decisions.

The goal is not to create a perfectly polished internet persona. It is to help students understand the relationship between today’s choices and tomorrow’s opportunities.