I don’t have much of a digital footprint. When I put my name in Google to search,only 2 pictures of me come up and nothing else. Neither of these pictures show my face.One of the pictures is of me and my brother, door knocking for my Mom’s friend,who is a politician. My Mom took the picture and posted it. The other picture of me on the internet, I am wearing a mask.Digital

Footprints can be good but they can also be bad. A good digital footprint is a positive thing.  When a prospective employer is researching you, they may look up your social media accounts.If you have left a good digital footprint, that looks good to someone who is maybe wanting to hire you. It can show the kind of person you are, kind, funny, giving, considerate, etc.  If you have a bad digital footprint, you may find it hard to get the job you want. Again, your social media accounts may be looked up. If you have posted nasty comments, harassed someone, have pictures of yourself doing drugs or drinking, this will not look good. People that post negative things on social media can really impact their future education and career.We all need to be responsible for ourselves when we are creating a digital footprint.3 things I can do to keep my digital footprint safe and appropriate are:

*not allow ‘tags’ make sure my security settings are on

*don’t allow myself to be in pics that are not appropriate

*not allow people I don’t personally know, to ‘follow’ me

Information I have learned is to not let myself be in stupid pics, don’t accept just anyone as a ‘friend’ on social media. I would pass this on to my friends by telling them what I have learned, or by showing them the video ‘Your digital Footprint May Be Unflattering’. Or I would suggest watching Jesse Miller on Youtube, he has great advice for using social media, I’ve been to his presentations a few times.

My digital footprint may affect my future by not allowing me to get the job I want, if I am not responsible in how I behave with social media. It could also affect my future with my friends if I post something mean or share something about them that someone else posted that isn’t kind.