“ You know what they say about big feet ”

I’m talking about our digital footprint people. A digital footprint is the data we leave behind whilst we browse the internet. This concept has probably never crossed our minds. I have said in previous blogs that we are entering a digital age and this digital footprint trend is going to grow as more of our data becomes available online. Each day we are becoming more integrated with technology and the internet; I mean if we take a look at our screen time we might be surprised at how much time we spend online.       

Is this something we should be concerned about? Believe it or not, what our friends decide to post about us also has an affect on our digital footprint. Our digital footprint is permanent and is very difficult to erase.

We create these footprints actively and passively. An active digital footprint is data that we intentionally submit online for example when we send a tweet or post a picture on Instagram. Even me posting this blog is an active way of increasing my digital footprint. 

A passive digital footprint is data that we unintentionally leave online. When we search for a website or visit a website, we add traces to our digital footprint. Also, websites that collect our information every time we visit and install cookies on our devices add to our digital footprint as well as sites that want to know our location.

Our active and passive footprints can be tracked and observed in various ways by multiple sources. We should be mindful of what information we are passing onto these sites. There are pros and cons with having a large digital footprint. The more data you have spread across the internet can actually prove to be a benefit.

The information you share on social media like LinkedIn can work in your favour as potential employers may come across your profile. You may see adverts on items you have previously viewed and be offered a discounts on these items. If you own a business, the larger your digital footprint the higher the reach you have to potential customers. With an improved SEO* it will lead to more clicks on your page. Hmm, maybe I should do that.

However there are cons that come with having a large digital footprint. This can include:

• Running the risk of identity theft if you have a large digital footprint.
• Receiving unwanted and annoying advertisements. 
• Loss of privacy.   

Privacy is everything nowadays and we as a society should do whatever we can to protect it. We can’t completely erase ourselves from internet, however we can follow the tips in the ‘Tips with T’ section to see how we can gain control of our digital footprint.   

Tips with T

– Delete tracking cookies regularly  – Review security settings on your social network – If you don’t need the app, delete it – Delete old email accounts – Use VPN’s because they provide online privacy