Digital Footprint

What Kind of Digital Footprint are YOU Leaving Behind?

Do you think before you post? 

Your social media posts can be held against you. In today's digital world, people are more likely to post negative comments because they feel "safe" behind their screens. Did you know that these posts could come back to haunt you? Colleges and employers do background checks and often include social media accounts in their screening process. One negative comment, a derogatory/racist post or a compromising photo could result in you losing scholarships and/or potential job opportunities. Think before you post, especially if you are angry or upset.

Change your story - 

Start now!!! Take the time to change your story by cleaning up your digital footprint. Start posting positive comments. Apologize for hurtful comments or posts. Begin to post comments and photos that show your thinking has changed. High School seniors need to especially take this step to correct any previous actions and postings that reflect poorly on them. Start posting photos that show your volunteer work. Comment on how helping someone else or cleaning up a park makes you feel good about yourself... not about how you had to get up early in the freezing weather. Build up your positive online reputation by starting a blog or creating a website that showcases your positive habits, work ethic, and/or hobbies. 

Create a more professional digital appearance-

Creating a more professional digital appearance can be as simple as changing your email address. The best format for emails is firstname.lastname@email.provider. You may have to make some adjustments like adding a middle initial, shortening your name, or inverting your name (lastname.firstname). It is really confusing for colleges and employers to get emails from addresses such as llamagirl, hiphopboi, webmaster, madgamer, and burgergurl - they never know who they are corresponding with until they open the email. Start fresh with a professional looking email address and begin sending resumes and college applications with your new email address. Join a professional networking site such as LinkedIn. On LinkedIn, individuals post resume style information to promote themselves professionally and employers post job openings and search for potential employees. 

Protect yourself - 

There are several steps you can take to protect yourself. First, begin with keeping your computer and cellphone software updated. Updates help fight against viruses and spyware. You can even use free software to scan your computer for viruses, spyware, and malware. Second, make sure to use strong passwords and never use the same password for social media sites that you use for banking sites. On cell phones, use a screen lock to prevent others from gaining access. Next, check your privacy settings, especially on social media sites. Finally, have you ever searched your name on the Internet? You can easily do so - and you should!! When searching, change up the spelling of your name to something similar or use common misspellings. For example, your search should include John Doe, Jon Doe, Jonathan Doe, Johnny Doe, etc. Do you like what you see? Does this information portray a positive, professional image? Start working to counteract negative information by contacting site administrators and requesting information to be removed or changed.