A digital tattoo is an individual or business “footprint” or digital identity. In this connected world, immediately after meeting someone we can find out their address, birthdate, where they were yesterday and where they work. As an educator, optician, and businesswoman I think is important to teach industry professionals and students how the nature of their pictures, tweets, and status updates can affect them. Professionals and students need to know and understand that true anonymity does not exist online. Our digital tattoo allows others to make judgments about us based on our online posts.

Students and professionals must have a good understanding of the benefits and risks of the internet. The internet is a great way to make connections and share similar interests. It is also a great way to raise awareness for a cause. Our industry has some amazing resources. We have @opticiansonfacebook, @opticiansnow, and @oaa. These social media sites are wonderful resources for sharing knowledge and information. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have many optical groups where you can connect, learn, and share.

While the ability to reach so many people and to share information is unlimited, the importance of privacy and your identity are critical. Our digital tattoo can affect our lives and the lives of businesses. The importance of a good digital tattoo is important as a student or professional. Our information and postings are never “erased” and can be damaging in the future if we do not use proper etiquette.

As a professional or student, before you click “post,” ask yourself these questions:
● Can this affect future or current employment? Or College?
● Is this a positive reflection of who you are?
● Do I need to share this information or picture or should it be private?
● What might someone think about me based on this post or picture?

Don’t “Ink it” before you think. Be cautious and mindful of others’ feelings and do not overreact in a moment of anger or frustration. We have all seen these responses on social media. Remember employers and colleges can see what you post and can be discouraged from hiring you or accepting you as a student.

Steps to prevent a harmful digital tattoo
● Do not post inappropriate or provocative pictures
● Do not post drunk outings or pictures
● Do not post discriminatory comments
● Do not post rants or gripes about your employer and co-workers

If you are a business, remember your digital tattoo is just as important. Follow the same rules. Craft your social media posts to be thoughtful and meaningful. Remember social media is storytelling. Posts should vary in what you deliver. Post what you are selling, people in your office, fun employees are having, and office luncheons.

As an instructor in higher education, I think it is important for college students to know and understand the impact of their digital stamp. Many employers review and request social media passwords. As educators, we must pass this information on to students to help them make an educated decision about social media posts.

Here is a great learning exercise for myself and for students.

1. What did you learn that you did not know prior to this course? How did your thoughts on instructional technology and being a connected educator change from the beginning of the course?

I learned that many resources and tools are available to integrate into learning, and the interaction with technology and others is a powerful tool in the classroom. I learned the importance of a good digital tattoo not only as an adult, but for youth. Our information and posting are never “erased” and can be damaging in the future if we do not use proper etiquette. I also learned how many people we can reach and how we can share information and resources readily.

You can learn about the new path to purchase that uses tech-appeal to connect with consumers, shorten the purchase cycle, increase in-store capture rate and increase word-of-mouth marketing (WOM) with our CE, Steps to Enrich the Customer Experience, at 2020mag.com/ce.