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What is a digital footprint?
Your digital footprint is the data that is collected about you. Even if you are not aware, information about you is collected every time you use the Internet. This can be done passively as websites collect your computer’s IP address or track your Internet browsing using cookies and other tracking software.
An active digital footprint is the information that you actively provide anytime you post information online. You may do this when you update a post or comment on a post of someone else. Your active digital footprint also comes from websites you visit, videos you watch, pictures and other content that you view and download, or products that you purchase online. Ever notice that after searching for an item to buy online you start seeing advertisements for that same item on other websites? That was not a coincidence.
Both your passive and active digital footprints can be searched by just about anyone. Your information can then be copied and shared to anyone else, anywhere in the world at any time. This means your digital footprint can result in the loss of your privacy. It also means that your digital footprint is a collection of information that describes a lot about what you like and what you don’t like. This information can be sold so that each time you are online you get personal advertisements based on choices you’ve made in the past.
What kind of permanent digital footprint are you leaving behind?
You do not have to guess at what your digital footprint looks like because you can do a search for yourself right now. What information, pictures or websites come up when you search for yourself? Is this the information you people to know about you?
What can you do?
Anytime you want to post information online you should THINK. Ask yourself the following questions:
Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?
You cannot prevent leaving behind a digital footprint so why not leave a print that has ensures a positive message about you. How do you want people to remember you? Make posts and comments that portray the good about you.
Does your digital footprint matter?
Your digital footprint is permanent so it can matter. Remember you have no control on how information about you is shared or purchased. Nothing you post online is private … ever! If there is something you do not want some people to know about you should not post it online. Protect your privacy. People have lost jobs, been kicked off of teams, or have had legal troubles by participating in risky online activities. Practice good digital citizenship and leave a digital footprint that shows how you want other people to view you.
Other Resources
Four Reasons to Care About Your Digital Footprint
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