Preparation

All you need to prepare is a PC and an internet connection. Alternatively, this exercise can also take place on a tablet or smartphone. 
The exercise sheets serve as additional support and stimulation.

Method / Process description

Phase 1: Creating awareness

General discussion (and self-reflection) about our digital self, guided by the trainer:

• What information is there about me on the internet? Do I have control over all this information? Do they correspond to the truth?
• What is the purpose of publishing individual pieces of information?
• To what extent am I afraid of publishing something online that could possibly be used against me or harm me? How careful am I about publishing information about myself online? 

Phase 2: Researching identities

In this lesson, participants will search for individuals through public sources. The aim is to gather as much information as possible about a specific person. Some suggestions for a target person:

• Yourself
• Another person from among the participants
• A family member/friend
• A public figure 

This activity is not only about looking for information about the relevant person, but also about assessing the context and possible implications:

• Identifying information about the relevant person that helps to learn about them, such as work, studies, hobbies, etc.
• Checking by whom the relevant information was published (whether by the person themselves or by other people or organisations).

Implementation as group work: 

• Small groups are formed. Each group is given the task of researching the participants of the other group on the internet.
• The results are compiled and at the end the individual groups present the participants of the other group on the basis of the information found. 
• The persons concerned can then evaluate how complete the information found is and to what extent it is correct and conveys a true picture. 

Phase 3: Reflection

Afterwards, a discussion is opened based on the collected impressions. The following questions can be discussed: 

• To what extent does published information create a digital identity? 
• What impression can digital identities give? To what extent does an identity represent a reflection of reality? 
• How useful is it to publish certain information on the internet?
• What are the advantages and risks? What prevails?
• Who has influence on the effect of my digital identity? 

Download material

• Worksheet "Search for identities"