Your digital footprint
Every time you go online you leave a trail. This is just like a real
footprint. It reveals where you’ve been, how long you stayed and what you’ve
been doing there. Every time you register for an online service, send an email,
download a video or upload a photo, the information can be accessed and your
digital footprint can be revealed. This shouldn’t necessarily be worrying but
it is advisable to be aware of your digital footprint and to be cautious and
sensible when you are online.
Six top tips for
taking care of your digital footprint
1. Don’t forget to
log off when you leave a website, especially if you are using a shared
computer. If you don’t, someone can easily pretend to be you!
2. Don’t tell
anyone your passwords and don’t write them down in an obvious place. Make them
more complex by using a combination of letters, numbers and punctuation marks.
3. Tell an adult
if you come across anything online that makes you upset, anxious or concerned.
There are ways to report inappropriate or abusive content and in most cases web
managers respond rapidly.
4. Remember your
favourite websites by using the history button and the bookmark function on
your computer or mobile device. This is a way that your digital footprint can
work in your favour, but remember to clear your browser history regularly.
5. If you want to
post comments online, you don’t have to use your own name. Invent a nickname to
use instead. You can also use a picture instead of a real photo.
6. Protect your
identity online. Be careful about who you share personal information with and
always think twice before sharing details like your email, home address, school
or phone number with someone.
Think about the
future
All kinds of people are interested in your digital footprint. It's now
quite common for colleges, universities and employers to check out the online
profiles of possible candidates as part of their application process. There are
cases of people having missed out on jobs and places in college because their
digital footprint didn’t impress the recruiters. So, remember: keep safe, don’t
put too much personal information online and always think carefully before you
post something. Ask yourself, ‘Would I be happy for absolutely everyone to see
this?.
Think About This:
How can you manage it?
Have you ever think about this and its
importance?
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario