The Importance of Your Digital Footprint

In recent years, there has been many things said about both positive and negative digital footprints. For everyone that does not know, a digital footprint basically means: Everything a person puts online can be publicly traced back to them. The concept of a digital footprint may seem a little scary at first, but there are ways for a person to have a positive digital footprint. There are many things people can do to maintain a positive digital footprint, but there are also things they must do to avoid having a negative digital footprint. When looking for jobs, a person’s digital footprint becomes important, so it is extremely important to maintain a positive digital footprint.

Potential employers will often look at an applicants digital footprint while they’re deciding whether or not to hire that person. Social media can raise major red flags, but there are also ways to use social media in a positive way. “Encouraging students to create or join groups which they are passionate about, highlights their interests and also allows them to network with likeminded people.” (Source 1). If people use social media to their advantage, they will leave behind a positive digital footprint. Blogging is another great way to maintain a positive digital footprint, “Intelligent and constructive comments on other people’s blogs with your name attached can also be appreciated by potential employers.” (Source 1). However, if the comments are not intelligent or constructive, a negative digital footprint that employers wouldn’t appreciate would be left behind. A great example of someone maintaining a positive digital footprint is the Twenty Five Days to Make a Difference blog, “I like the idea of trying to use my blog as a way to share ideas for how people could do small things to make a difference for ANY cause.” (Source 2). The person behind this blog understands the importance of maintaining a positive digital footprint and is using it to they’re advantage. Anyone looking for a job must be careful when creating their digital footprint if they want success.

Even though digital footprints usually have negative connotations along with it, there are ways to have a positive digital footprint. Having and maintaining a positive digital footprint is very important, especially when looking for jobs. It is important for everyone who uses the internet to be aware of not only the dangers of a person’s digital footprint, but also the rewards.

“Footprints in the Sand” by johncooke is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0