Thing 16: Your Digital Footprint

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Thing 16 introduced us to the concept of a digital footprint. A digital footprint is a trail of data you create while using the Internet. It includes the websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit to online services. (TechTerms) It is important to protect yourself online and the task for this Thing requires us to run a diagnostic test of how to protect ourselves against violations of our privacy online. This is a very topical area especially since the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica recent scandal but I'm sure this is only the tip of the iceberg. Being more careful with our personal data is a necessity and it is our own responsibility.

 

The key message is always to 'think before you post'. It is important to try to manage your digital footprint.

Things to think about include:

1. Where do you make your digital footprint?

I realise I have compiled a rather large digital footprint. I use the Internet for both work and social purposes and spend a large part of my day connected to the Internet. As well as both personal and work e-mails, I also have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn accounts. I have a work computer and a large part of my job involves searching the Internet. I have a laptop and use the Internet for online shopping, paying bills, online banking and general Internet browsing.

2. Who else is shaping your digital footprint?

Apart from your own postings of which are under your control, you have to consider who else is shaping your digital footprint and how your digital footprint can be influenced by others. Friends tag you in photos or comment on and share your posts. They also may check you into places without your consent.

3. Are you in control of your digital footprint?

Everything we do online is now monitored and it can feel like 'big brother' is watching us. A lot of the time this is actually true especially as personal data is now a commodity. It can feel like we have sold our souls to the so-called 'free' social media sites and search engines. We are now being targeted with advertisements on a daily basis. I remember the first time I saw an ad for a T-Shirt with my surname on it and being impressed but I also remember being freaked out by seeing ads for things I had previously searched for. It is a double-edged sword in my opinion.

A handy way to check your digital footprint is the personal info search engine Pipl.com. It was scary how it links all your accounts together and how accurate it is. It actually brought up some accounts I had forgotten about which I rarely use like Pinterest. It is amazing to see the breadth of information about us that exists online.

4. How can we manage our digital footprint?

As indicated above, once we are online, which is pretty hard to avoid in this networked age, it will always be difficult to manage but we can do our best to ensure that we are not taken advantage of.

• Delete any abandoned or unused social media accounts and those you do have ensure that your passwords are secure and no-one has access but yourself.
• Check your privacy settings and ensure that you know who can view your posts, photos and information.
• Check terms and conditions before signing up to sites and be aware of what you are giving away.

• Always remember that nothing is completely private online. Also everything you post online is permanent so always err on the side of caution.
• Remember that what you post is a reflection of you so never post anything that you would not be proud of. Keep your language and photos appropriate. Be careful of what you share or like. It is your reputation.
• Be cautious with your contacts and consider who you connect with. Don't feel the need to accept every friend request.
• Always treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. Never post or retweet anything you wouldn't say in public. Treat others with respect.