Tips For Developing Your Positive Digital Footprint

Week 3

When venturing into the vast land that is the world wide web, there are some ways to make sure that what you leave behind reflects back positively. The following list is ten ways to make sure you are managing your digital footprint in the most positive light. The path of footprints you lead is of your choosing.

1. Search yourself frequently. By using a variety of search engines, you will be able to see results from across the internet. When do you search yourself, try using different varieties of your name, such as your first and last or full legal name. The usage of different names when you sign up for sites will yield different results. (Waldman, 2016) Seeing what is listed under your name can help to control what your reputation is.

2. Control your privacy settings. There is a time and a place for fun and silly posts, but in the eye of potential employers or important people is not one of them. On social platforms, such as Facebook, that can be seen by both friends and people in the professional community, it is best to control your privacy settings so only friends can see your posts. "Most social networking sites have privacy settings to help you manage the content you share and who you share it with," (UK Safer, 2015). Also, you can change who can view your photos and see the posts you make on other peoples' walls. 

3. Strong passwords are crucial. "You need to make sure your online accounts are secure by using the strongest passwords you can," (Davidson, 2016). Having strong passwords are going to prevent people from gaining access to your accounts and posting things that you would not want posted. Some sites require you to have lower and upper case letters, numbers, and special symbols. Even if a site doesn't require all those security measures, take it upon yourself to protect your image with an impossible-to-guess password.

4. Promote yourself. If you are someone who has a business or is selling product, "Instead of harassing family and friends through your personal account, create a new account for your business and allow the traffic to grow organically," (Stewardship Team, 2015). Set up that professional account on social media to allow people to follow or interact with that side of you if they choose. Having those separate accounts allows your family and friends to support your business while still getting to post about you at home and out in public. 

5. Keep your information locked away. When signing up for a new social media site or discussion forum, make sure not to give away too much personal information. If a site is asking for information that is not common knowledge, don't keep signing up! Free social networking sites should require a minimum amount of information to get started. You can choose what information will be published once you gain access to your site. (Granville, 2016)

6. Up-to-date keeps you safe. Whether you are part of an internet site or using a mobile app, keeping your site and information up-to-date will make your digital footprint a current one. "From time to time, review the apps on your phone or tablet. What are their privacy or information-sharing settings? If you don’t use an app anymore, delete it," (Kovacs, 2015). Leaving out-of-date information on the internet that you've completely forgot about can come and haunt you later. Stay on top of the information you expose to the public and make sure it is current.

7. PG 17 language only. When commenting on a thread or complaining about something that happened today, make sure your language is PG 17. You don't have to post as if you were on a children's show, but keep the foul language to the privacy of your own home. (Scambusters) Your opinion matters in terms of the internet, but using foul language makes other people think less highly of what you have to say.

8. Post when appropriate. Sitting in a board meeting about posting about your boredom is not appropriate. Whether you are friends with your boss on social media or not, posting at the wrong time can break a career or friendship. "Make sure your social media use isn’t simply a diversion from other more important things like chores and relationships," (Stewardship Team, 2015). If there is something or someone you are supposed to be focusing on, make sure to put Facebook and Instagram aside. 

9. Post what's appropriate. With politics raging rampant on the internet right now, people are coming out of their shell and posting opinions in discussion boards and all over social media. Before posting something that may hurt others due to a difference of opinion, think about what you're going to say and try to say it differently. "Respect the opinion of...If you feel the need to disagree, do so respectfully and acknowledge...arguments," (Touro College, 2014). No matter the issue, there are going to be people who disagree. Realize that not everyone will agree with you, and post your opinions thoughtfully.

10. Post wisely. "If you wouldn’t want a potential employer seeing something, don’t post it," (Pfeffer, 2014). When deciding whether to post that really funny picture from last night or not, consider who could potentially see it. If you wouldn't mind a potential employer seeing the image then consider what your grandmother would say. Sometimes, it is beneficial to go "old school" in your thought process when trying to determine if posting is a good idea.

References:

Create a positive digital footprint online. (2015, October 19). Retrieved from http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/news/create-a-positive-digital-footprint-online

Davidson, P. (2016, May 09). 8 Tips To Effectively Manage Your Digital Footprint | JUST™ Creative. Retrieved from http://justcreative.com/2016/05/09/8-tips-to-effectively-manage-your-digital-footprint/

Kovacs, N. (2015, November 19). How to Clean Up Your Online Digital Footprint. Retrieved from https://community.norton.com/en/blogs/norton-protection-blog/how-clean-your-online-digital-footprint

S. (2015, July 20). 10 Dos and Don'ts for a Positive Social Media Experience. Retrieved from http://www.stewardship.com/articles/10-dos-and-don-ts-for-a-positive-social-media-experience

T. (2014, May 19). 15 Rules of Netiquette for Online Discussion Boards [INFOGRAPHIC] - Online Education Blog of Touro College. Retrieved from http://blogs.onlineeducation.touro.edu/15-rules-netiquette-online-discussion-boards/