Future-Self and Personal Online Rules
What will you wish you had not posted in 10 years?
- Reflect on the long-term impact of online activity
- Draft 5 personal online rules
- Explain the 'grandma test' and 'employer test'
Overview
Search engines rarely forget. A rash post, a leaked photo, a nasty comment — these can still be found years later. Writing down personal rules while calm is easier than making good choices while emotional.
The Two Tests
Grandma test: would I be OK with my grandma reading this? Employer test: would a hiring manager in 5 years find this acceptable?
Permanence
Screenshots outlive 'delete' buttons. Assume anything you send can be saved forever.
Kindness and Consent
Never share images of others without permission. What feels funny to you may humiliate them for years.
5 Personal Rules
- Write 5 rules you personally will follow online.
- Share one with a partner and explain why it matters to you.
- Volunteer 3 rules to the class list.
- State the grandma test.
Reveal answer
Would you be comfortable with your grandmother seeing this post?
- Why is 'delete' rarely enough?
Reveal answer
Screenshots and archives can preserve content forever.
- Why is consent important before posting about others?
Reveal answer
It respects their privacy and dignity.
Print your 5 rules and keep them near your workspace at home.