Most of us are online every single day and often for hours, whether checking emails, on social media, playing games, using apps, sharing documents, browsing and buying online, or completing other tasks. While technology affords us many opportunities and can save us time, money, and energy in some ways, it can also come with some downsides.
In particular, we need to remember that once data is online, it stays there; we don’t have control over what happens to it once we’ve uploaded something, in most cases. As a result, we all need to be clear about what type of digital footprint we’re creating and take steps to manage it responsibly. Here’s the lowdown on these footprints for you to consider today and into the future.
Digital Footprints Explained
The term “digital footprint” describes the raft of information about each person that’s uploaded and tracked online. This data footprint covers all sorts of different things, like blog posts; social media comments, website listings, reports, logins, videos, and much more. While it includes things that anyone can find quickly and easily; your digital footprint also includes details that may not be so visible.
A digital footprint is an important feature in today’s technological society because anytime someone Googles your name or looks it up on another search engine; the details that show up may influence their opinion of you, whether on a personal or work front. We all want our digital identities to thus be as positive, relevant, and suitable as possible; so that others don’t compile an incorrect or outdated character assessment.
Plus, it’s worth noting that digital footprints are utilized by advertisers. When you get targeted, customized ads showing up in your email; on your social media accounts, when you browse online, and more, these are affected by your footprint.
Understanding the Different Types of Digital Footprints
It’s also helpful to understand that there are different types of digital footprints; in particular those that are either active or passive. This categorization depends on how information acquired. Active digital footprints derive from the data you share yourself online or that you upload when you complete tasks. This area can include things like logging into apps and websites, adding data that’s connect to your login; signing up for newsletters or text message communications, filling out digital forms, and so on.
Passive footprints are a little different. This category covers the information you leave behind unintentionally in your digital dealings, often without realizing it. For instance, this includes data such as how often you visit different websites; which isn’t something you give explicit permission to collected or will even notice yourself.
Passive footprints are also made up of those instances when websites install cookies without disclosing this to you; or seeking permission and when websites or applications take note of your location, thanks to geolocation tech. Plus, in this category those times when you get sent target advertisements from businesses based on the details you post; comment on, or like on social media.
Tips for Protecting Your Digital Footprint in 2023 and Beyond
There are numerous ways to help protect your digital footprint, which is a wise idea. For instance, it’s helpful to increase ID security by installing security software that provides comprehensive protection against various types of viruses, spam, spyware, ransomware, etc. and keeps your identity more private. Plus, ensure you choose hard-to-guess passwords on all accounts to help keep cybercriminals from crashing accounts or systems and exploiting your digital footprint.
Another tip is to search your name on Google, Bing; and other engines to check out what results show up and how they portray you. Look for your name before you got married or other variations that may be linked to your current identity, too. If you find content you don’t like; you can ask website administrators to remove it, although they may choose not to.
Sometimes, just updating your privacy settings or changing your phone number to private can help get your data removed. See who can view, comment on, and share your social media posts, and be wary of the information; and comments you share publicly that may negatively affect your digital footprint at some time.
Our digital footprint can affect our lives in ways we may not realize or expect; so it’s always a good idea to know what yours is like and take steps to better it if needed.