My Digital Footprint

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http://mashable.com/2013/04/12/social-media-demographic-breakdown/

 

What most people don’t realize when they hit post, is the mark that they’ll leave behind.  When you post something you don’t usually think about how your future employers will be able to see it, do you? It’s your digital footprint that will immediately give people access to your personal information simply by typing your name in the google search bar.  Here is why we need to be aware of this because it can affect a big percentage of our lives.

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How can your digital footprint affect your future opportunities?  There are many ways that this can happen.  For example you go to a party and you are under the influence of say, alcohol.  You take a lot of pictures, but some are posted on social media without your consent.  Even if these pictures are taken down,  there can still be different sources to find them.  Pictures like these are considered “unprofessional” and some employers will not hesitate to fire you.  Another example of your digital footprint affecting your future, is that it’s possible for you to get cyber bullied.  Cyber bullying can really affect your mental health.  It can lead to illnesses like depression.  One picture can lead to years full of torture.
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http://photosinbox.com/sign-and-symbol/warning-sign
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http://stylonica.com/sad-pictures-and-wallpapers/

 

How can we keep our digital footprint appropriate and safe?  The answer to this question is to be cautious.   Not only do we have to be more aware of the pictures that we post, but we also have to be aware of pictures that are taken of us.  Just because it isn’t posted on our accounts doesn’t mean that people won’t be able to find it.  Tell your friends to ask permission before  posting a picture or a video with you in it.

What’s a piece of advice that I would pass on to other students?  I’d tell them to use the internet for something positive.  We are so lucky to have an amazing platform.  The internet can open us up to amazing oppurnities.  The only way to open us up to these opportunities is by being mature and responsible on the internet.

In conclusion, I hope that the majority of people will not be strongly affected by their digital footprints.  Everyone is so full of potential.  It’s sad to see people’s reputations falling a part because of a click of a button.  I hope that this article can help with educating yourself on something so important.