What is a Digital Footprint?

 

When you venture into the digital world, whether that be surfing the internet, blogging, gaming, posting on social media or creating videos, you leave a trail- like footprints in the mud. However, the trail you leave in the digital world is permanent.

 

What I need to know?

 

It is important to know that when you write a comment, share a photo, visit a website or search the internet, it adds to your footprint. A digital footprint is neither a negative nor positive thing to start with, but it does say a lot about the person who leaves it.

 

We are living in a world where technology plays an important part in our lives; it allows us to talk to our friends and family; share our thoughts and feelings; help with our homework and even order food. With the endless ways we can use this technology, we have to use the internet, download apps and share more data about ourselves.  Next time you’re surfing the internet, gaming or using apps, think carefully about the information you share. Remember, you shouldn’t share your full name, address, phone number with people, websites or apps you’re unsure of and you should never share your password with anyone.

 

How to keep a Positive Footprint

 

If we think about what we now know about digital footprints, we should be able to see that we are the ones who control what our footprint looks like and should aim to leave a good impression. Here are some questions to ask yourself to keep your footprint positive: is what you are doing in the digital world: True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? And most importantly, is it kind?

 

Don’t forget, you control the footprints you leave behind in the digital world; make sure the impact you leave is positive and inspiring – your digital footprint is permanent.