Track 1 · Grades 9–10 · 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.

[ RUNWAY VIDEO: Alex on school bus, looking at phone, notices viewer ]

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.

97%

of employers Google candidates before interviews

79%

of college admissions officers check applicants' social media

7 yrs

average age a child's data begins being collected online

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 legal standard: Under most platform terms of service, content you post is licensed to the platform permanently, even after you delete it. "Deleting" typically removes it from public view — not from servers.

Reflection Activity

Your Digital Identity Audit

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

[ GEMINI IMAGE: Alex character — thoughtful expression, phone in hand ]

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 →