Have you ever wondered what your digital footprint is? You have probably heard it mentioned before. It is all the stuff you leave behind whenever you’re online – like a trail of crumbs but for the internet.
Every time you post on Snapchat, for every tweet, TikTok, post, like, or even search on Google, you leave a mark. Just like how you wouldn’t want to leave a mess behind in your house, you don’t want a messy digital footprint either.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding what your digital footprint is, and how to manage it better.
What Exactly Is a Digital Footprint?
It’s all the stuff you do online. There are two types:
- Active footprint: This is the stuff you do on purpose like sending messages, posting photos, or signing up for a new app.
- Passive footprint: This is stuff you might not even know about like websites tracking you with cookies (those pop-ups that ask if you accept cookies every time you visit them), or the information that apps collect about you in the background, even as you switch between different ones.
Here are a few ways you’re probably leaving footprints every day:
- Posting a selfie on Instagram: Every photo you post can be found online, even if you delete it later.
- Commenting on TikTok videos: Your comments, whether serious or funny, can be seen by other people (and sometimes screenshots live on forever too).
- Liking YouTube videos: Every time you like or follow something, it’s recorded as part of your online activity (and can also be used to target you with adverts based on what you like)
- Searching on Google: Yes, even your search history adds to your footprint, especially if you’re logged in.
Your digital footprint can be important for things you want to do in the future. Potential employers, colleges, or even friends might see things you’ve done online, and that can shape their opinion of you. Also, a messy or unmanaged footprint can lead to privacy issues, lots of targeted adverts, or even online scams. So, it’s worth paying attention.
Now that you know what it is, here are some ways to keep your digital footprint neat and tidy:
- Think before you post. Ask yourself: Do I want this to be online forever? Even if it seems like a laugh now, it might not be so funny in a few years.
- Check your privacy settings. Most apps and social platforms have privacy settings, so make sure you’re only sharing with people you trust. Visit Safer Internet for some extra advice on how to manage your social media.
- Google yourself. Sounds weird, but give it a go. See what comes up when you search for your name. If you find something you don’t like, you might be able to get it removed. The internet remembers but you have rights.
- Be careful with what you share. Limit the amount of personal information you put online. Your full name, address, or phone number should never be out there for just anyone to see.
- Delete old accounts. Got a load of old accounts you don’t use anymore? Delete them! Less online clutter means a smaller footprint for you.
- Use strong passwords. Secure your accounts with strong, unique passwords to avoid them getting hacked (and your footprint growing without you knowing it). Check out Young Scot’s tips for creating a strong password.
Your digital footprint is like your online reputation. Once something’s out there, it’s hard to take it back, so it’s worth thinking about what kind of trail you’re leaving behind. Keep your footprint clean and under control, and you’ll be glad you did. For more tips on how to manage your digital footprint, check out Get Safe Online.
Take a look at Young Scot’s DigiKnow campaign
This article comes from Renfrewshire Council’s Youth Services and we are part of the DigiRen network which is all about looking at ways to make Renfrewshire more digitally inclusive for everyone. Find out about the latest initiative DigiZones. It’s also Youth Work Week! A celebration of how youth work helps to support you with a special focus on how you develop resilience and build essential skills for life (including in the digital world).
We are launching an article every day Monday-Friday during DigiKnowVember and Youth Work Week.