DIGITAL
FOOTPRINT
EVERYTHING YOU DO IS ONLINE. HOW YOU
CAN PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR INFO.
WHAT IS A DIGITAL
FOOTPRINT?
A digital footprint is the collection of
personal information put on the internet by a
specific person.
Every time you post something online, it is
recorded in a database or network. This then
becomes part of your digital portfolio, an
ever-growing collection of information. This
information is accessible by almost everyone
at anytime, even if you deleted it.
That’s right: nothing is ever actually deleted
off the internet.
WHY?
But who is actually interested in your
deleted social media posts?
Honestly, not too many people. However,
those who are interested in your life
definitely are. Posting regretful things online
can be seen by future employers via
background checks, and you may lose the
job. Universities also keep tabs on
scholarship candidates to make sure they’re
behaving themselves and following
assigned rules. If they aren’t, the
scholarship can be revoked.
But how do they find this information? Easy.
Google.
GOOGLE YOURSELF!
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
A little while ago, I googled
myself. Since I have a very
popular name, thousands of
results popped up, and none of
them seemed to be me. I came
across a photographer, a talent
agent, a British singersongwriter and even a famous
actress, but not a single result
proved to be me. Only after
searching my name followed by
my hometown did I find myself
under some articles I wrote for
the school newspaper. What
little stuff I found was pretty
good and would look nice on an
application. So what did I do
differently then someone with
their Instagram photos for all to
see?
A sure-fire way to make sure nothing
embarrassing under your name is online is
to google yourself. If you can’t find yourself
by simply your first and last name, try
adding your country and hometown.
Chances are, people with your same name
will show up, and one of them may be you.
If nothing shows up about you after
numerous pages on Google, you’ve done a
pretty good job keeping your digital footprint
faint. But if you do find yourself, it’s a little
scary because anybody can see what
you’re up to now.
So how can you keep yourself safe?
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
DON’T PUT YOUR
FULL NAME
ONLINE!
This should be a given,
but never put your full
name when you’re
making accounts. Your
first name and first initial
of your last name work
perfectly fine. And if
you’re the kind of person
that puts their full name in
their username, try using
a nickname instead. It
makes you a lot harder to
find.
IS IT WORTH IT?
Think before you post! It is
perfectly a-okay to post a
photo of your tea or a
beautiful sunset or even the
occasional selfie, but no
employer wants to be
scrolling through your
Facebook and find an
aggressive rant about your
ex, or some embarrassing
photos from that night. Also,
talk to your friends about
tagging you in photos. If you
don’t want it on your feed,
make sure they don’t put your
name, or filter your timeline!
SOCIAL MEDIA
ACCOUNTS =
PRIVATE!
Although not too strong
against experienced
hackers, the privacy
settings on social media
accounts WORK. This
stops the average and
unpermitted user from
seeing anything you post,
(even if you use hashtags)
and third party websites
cannot show your photos
or information without your
explicit consent. Sharing
laws sure are helpful!
PROTECT YOUR FRIENDS
Now that you can protect
yourself, how can you
make sure your friends are
safe?
1. Be discreet! No full
names, no current
locations, and use a private
account.
Like in the previous slide,
tell them about tagging.
Ask them to not tag you in
photos without your
permission and explain
why.
2. Think before you post! If
you’d be okay with your
mother seeing it, then it’s
probably okay.
You can also use the
previously described
habits on your own
accounts!
3. When you show digital
responsibility, people
notice. You may not get as
many followers, but at least
you’ll get the job or get that
scholarship!
CONCLUSION
Everything you post is seen in one way or another, either by
family and friends or the whole world. Something can go viral
overnight, and you should be cautious. But don’t be so scared that
you become a hermit! Our world is becoming digital, and it’s
perfectly fine to have an online presence, as long as it’s safe and
responsible. People can share things faster than ever, and it’s
pretty amazing. The internet is a terrific thing as long as we use it
properly. It’s introduced us to online banking, universal instant
communication, and cat videos! What more could you want?
Be safe, and as little reward for your
responsibility…
WHAT THE INTERNET
HAS TO OFFER…