The Digital Footprint Awareness of the Undergraduate Students in a Private Higher Education Institution in Nueva Ecija, Philippines: A Basis for a Plan of Action

Abstract: This study sought to determine the digital footprint awareness of the undergraduate students in a private higher education institution in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, to provide a basis for a plan of action. A descriptive research approach was employed by the researcher. Using a survey instrument, the researcher gathered data from 190 college students at a private higher education institution. Results revealed that the respondents were composed of 68% males and 32% females. Most of the respondents were from the first and second year levels. In terms of their age brackets, most respondents belong to the 18-19 and 20-21 age brackets. Respondents expressed that they use the internet for an average of 5 to 6 hours every day and that social networking sites are the most frequently accessed sites, with smartphones being the most commonly owned gadget. An assessment of digital awareness revealed that college students are well aware of their digital footprint in terms of online activities, personal information, online transactions, online platforms and environments, privacy, and security. Overall, their awareness of their digital footprint was very evident. As a result of this study, the researcher suggests activities that would contribute to sustaining digital footprint awareness among college students and may also be used as a set of activities for incoming college students to ensure that future students are also well aware of their digital footprint, leading to becoming responsible digital citizens.

Keywords: Digital Awareness; Digital Citizenship; Digital Footprint; Information Technology; Plan of Action.