Your Digital Footprint
What is it and How is it Used?
What is a "Digital Footprint"?
A digital footprint is used to describe the trail, traces or "footprints" that people leave online. Meaning that everything you search, do, or post online can be seen by anyone.
Who has Access to it?
Anyone can gain access to your digital footprint: employers, schools, admissions officers at colleges, friends, family, hackers, and even advertisers. Your digital footprint can be easier to find then you may think.
How is it Used?
Employers use it to look at your background before they hire you, schools use it to make sure that if you are representing the school, in clubs; sports; or other extra-curricular activities, you do it in a positive way, colleges to make sure you would be a good person to have at the school, and advertisers to get you to buy their products.
How to Maintain a Positive Digital Footprint.
Put your account on a privacy setting, this can help avoid predators that prey on kids and teens with public accounts. Make sure that your password is secure and hard to guess so only you know it, this can keep people from hacking into your account and, if a credit or debit card is on the account, using your money. You should also watch what you post, don't be mean or rude to others online, and always get permission from an adult before using a credit or debit card online.
Think Before You Post.
Is it appropriate? Is it nice? Remember, anyone can see what you post: the administration at your school, your family, your friends and their parents, and employers even look before they hire. If you wouldn't want someone else to post the picture or say what you are about to say to you, then don't post it.
Brittney's Story - Posting Something You Regret
The Good and Bad Sides of Your Digital Footprint.
Good: (If you keep a GOOD digital footprint)
- It can help you to get a good job
- It can help you get into a good college or university
- You can spread the word of your business or cause
- etc.
Bad: (If you keep a BAD digital footprint)
- It can keep you getting a good job
- It can keep you from getting into a good college or university
- It can get you in trouble with adults and others
- etc.