By Benjamin Yampolskiy

Almost everything we do online leaves behind a trace. Whether it is posting pictures, leaving comments, liking videos, or sharing memes with your friends, all of this becomes part of what is known as your digital footprint. Your digital footprint is the collection of information about you that exists online. Some of this information is from the content that you share online. The other part of your digital footprint is automatically collected from the various websites and applications that track your activities online.

When people post content on social media, they usually think that once they have deleted that post, it will disappear forever. However, it is possible for someone to have taken a screenshot of that post or shared it with another person before it was deleted. People who are interested in a college or scholarship may consider your social media profiles. Anything that leaves a negative impression of you online could be a problem for your future applications.

People also tend not to realize how much likes and shares matter online. By liking or sharing a post that someone creates, people may leave the impression that they agree with the content of the shared post. For instance, if someone shares an offensive joke or false information online, they are potentially going to affect the view that people have of you. Once information is shared online, it is nearly impossible to take it back online.

Another thing that many people do not think about is how various companies collect information about their activities online. The videos that you watch online, the products that you search for online, and the content that you like or comment on create a digital footprint of your interests online. This data can be used by these companies to recommend more content for you to view online or to show you online advertisements that match your interests and activities online.

It is also important to build a positive reputation for yourself online. Your digital footprint can be used to share your achievements in the life that you live. When someone searches for your name online, your digital footprint should showcase your accomplishments.
According to a survey reported by the Pew Research Center, a large majority of Americans believe that online activity can affect how others see them, and many employers report using social media when evaluating candidates.

The good thing about your digital footprint is that you have control over what is shared and visible online. Taking a few extra seconds to think before you post something on social media can save you from creating problems for your digital footprint in the future. If a post would not be comfortable with your family, teachers, or future employer seeing it, do not share the content online.

Steps you can take:

  • Think before you post online. Consider whether you would like the content posted online a few years from now.
  • Check the privacy settings for your social media platforms to control who sees your posts online.
  • Search for your name online to see what information is out there about yourself.
  • Like and share content online with care because these actions can also create your digital footprint.
  • Share positive content about yourself or your accomplishments online.

Conversation Starters:

  • What types of content should never be posted online?
  • Have you ever deleted a post online that you used to make?
  • Why do you think colleges and employers look at your social media profiles?
  • Do you believe that liking or sharing something online can say something about who you are as a person?
  • Share some ways that people can build a positive reputation for themselves online.

Learn more:

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