A digital footprint is the trail of data that is created when any person uses the internet including the websites visited, interactions with other users and the information gathered by services used. Christensson (2014) distinguishes this information into two separate categories the first being a passive digital footprint that includes all information that users unintentionally creates. This includes things such as a website logging your IP address or advertising profiles constructed around your online activity. The second category is an active digital footprint that is built by all intentional activity such as sending emails or posting on social media.
Managing your digital footprint is important because almost all the online information you create can persist for a long time and is almost impossible to remove. One of the difficulties in managing your digital footprint is the fact that a user begins to build it from their first interactions with the internet, therefore it is important to impress on young users the idea that their online activity is permanent and can be visible later in their life. To properly manage your digital footprint, it is important to realize that the content you create can resurface at a later date and reflect on you in a positive or negative way (Theifels, 2019).
The fact that information you post is permanent and reflects on you can also be used to your advantage. Building a positive “intentional” digital footprint can be an excellent way to display and give evidence to your own personal brand online (Buchanan, 2017). An online presence can be used to showcase your passions, accomplishments, talents, and ideas that can represent yourself in the digital world. This online presence can also be used as a tool to build your network where your contributions can attract people with similar interests and open connections with others.
To create a positive digital footprint you can use variety of platforms that best fit your own individual style and interests. If you find reflective writing useful a blog can be used to display your personality, or if you prefer verbal exposition or videography YouTube could be a useful platform. Whatever format you chose to use it is important to carefully curate the content you release, Boyle (2020) has a helpful guide of 12 tips to consider when expanding your digital footprint: https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/11-tips-for-students-tomanage-their-digital-footprints/
References
Boyle, J. (2020, January 23). 12 Tips For Students To Manage Their Digital Footprints. Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/11-tips-for-students-tomanage-their-digital-footprints/
Buchanan, R., Southgate, E., Smith, S. P., Murray, T., & Noble, B. (2017). Post no photos, leave no trace: Children’s digital footprint management strategies. E-Learning and Digital Media, 14(5), 275-290. doi:10.1177/2042753017751711
Christensson, P. (2014, May 26). Digital Footprint Definition. Retrieved 2021, Jan 24, from https://techterms.com
Thiefels, J. (2019, March 27). What Every Teen Needs to Know About Their Digital… Retrieved January 25, 2021, from https://www.netnanny.com/blog/what-every-teen-needs-to-know-about-their-digital-footprint/#:~:text=The%20digital%20footprint%20that%20is,they%27ve%20been%20up%20to