Your digital footprint: Why Gen Z should care (and how to take control)
Gen Z was the first generation to grow up with unlimited internet access. From Vine to Tumblr to Instagram, these platforms shaped how we connect and express ourselves. And although it was all fun and games at first, none of us considered the long-term impact of our internet presence, AKA our “digital footprint.”
Whether or not you’re chronically online, you’ve probably heard the term before. In this post, we will break down what a digital footprint really is, why it matters, and how you can clean yours up, especially before your next big job interview.Your digital footprint is bigger than you think. It’s time to find out what the internet remembers about you!
A “digital footprint,” or less commonly known as a “data shadow,” refers to the trail of data we leave behind when we use the internet. Almost every action you take on the internet contributes to it, even if it is just leaving a Yelp review of the restaurant you went to last week.
Think about your Instagram likes, TikTok comments, or past tweets; they all make up different pieces of information about you that can then be used to draw real conclusions about who you are as a person. Your digital footprint can reveal small things about you, like your favorite color or TV show, but also more serious things, like your political affiliation.
You may be thinking, “So what? Why does it even matter?” Well, your digital footprint is not hidden and is often very easily traceable via a simple Google search or tracking program. If the recent rise of “cancel culture” has taught us anything, it’s that your problematic tweets from 2015 may be out of mind, but they are definitely not out of sight.
Sure, you may not be a celebrity and most likely don’t have to worry about being “canceled,” but oversharing online can still have real consequences. Besides attracting stalkers or creeps who can find your location, it can also attract a curious human resources department that wants to get an idea of who they are employing.
Remember those embarrassing party photos you shared because they were just so hilarious? Well, your hiring manager might not share the same sense of humor, and they can even cost you the job of your dreams. That’s why it’s important to be careful about what you post on the internet.
Okay, now that you know what a digital footprint is and why it matters, you may find yourself wondering about your own data shadow and whether you have something to worry about. So, can you check your digital footprint? The answer is yes, to some extent. First, you should be aware that there are two types of digital footprints:
An active digital footprint: This is data that you have voluntarily and actively created. This includes, for example, posts you have made on social media (such as Instagram, Facebook, etc.) or online forms you have filled out.
A passive digital footprint: This is data that is generated without your direct involvement or even without your knowledge. This is the case, for example, when websites use cookies to track how often you visit a page, where you come from, and what your IP address is. (For more on this, check out our explainer: What are cookies on a website and how are they used?)
Now, the reason you can only check your digital footprint “to some extent” is that there is virtually no way to check your passive digital footprint. Your active digital footprint, however, is very much in your control and is easier to check than you may think.
Two steps to check your digital footprint
Google yourself. The easiest and most obvious way to check which information can be found about you online is through a simple Google search. Feel free to also do this with other search engines; the more the merrier! Just start by typing your full name and see what pops up. Then, you can add other information like your location, employer, or the name of your university to refine your search further.
Review your social media accounts. This one might be a bit more labor-intensive, but it is equally necessary. You want to go through all the social media profiles you’ve ever had, even if you don’t use them anymore. Check if there are any public posts, pictures, comments, or likes that you don’t want hanging out there for anyone to see. And don’t forget to look into what others have posted about you, which includes tagged photos, mentions, and old group posts.
If you’re wondering whether you can delete a digital footprint, we have some bad news for you. Unfortunately, digital footprints are pretty much permanent. The internet has a long memory, between cached pages, backups, and third-party apps that collect data without you even realizing it, most of what you put out there will likely stick around forever. Even if you delete a post or a comment, there’s a good chance it’s already been saved, archived, or screenshotted somewhere.
The good news? This doesn’t mean you are completely doomed. Although you can’t erase everything, the sooner you get on top of your digital footprint, the easier it will be to manage what shows up about you going forward. Keep reading to learn how to take control of your digital footprint.
The best way to protect your digital footprint is to keep it as clean as possible. So, here are some practical cleanup tips you can follow:
Check your privacy settings. Your future self will thank you for this one. Go into each social media platform you’re active on and double-check what’s public vs. what’s private. Adjust who can see your posts, stories, tagged photos, and even your friend list. While you’re at it, look into what data the platform collects about you (you’ll usually find this in settings under “Privacy” or “Security”). Some platforms let you limit ad tracking or remove your data entirely. So, it’s worth taking a few minutes to explore.
Delete any inactive accounts. That Facebook account from when you were 13? Yeah, probably time to let that go. If you’ve got old social media profiles you don’t use anymore, delete them. Not only does this clean up your digital presence, but it also reduces the amount of data floating around with your name on it. (If you need help deleting an old Facebook account, check out our explainer: How to deactivate or delete your Facebook account.)
Don’t overshare. Sharing intimate details about your life online is never a good idea, even if your profile is private. You never know who might take a screenshot, forward a message, or even hack your account. A little mystery on the internet never hurt nobody.
Use strong passwords. When it comes to keeping your data safe, your password is your first line of defense. If you want to keep the hackers at bay, “123456” just won’t do it. Go for something unique, long, and hard to guess. Better yet, use a password manager to keep track of everything without driving yourself crazy. And yes, enable two-factor authentication while you’re at it, you’ll thank yourself later! (Not sure which password manager to use? We’ve got you covered! Check this out: How to choose the best password manager for you.)
Having a clean digital footprint doesn’t mean erasing your entire online identity. It just means being mindful of the data trail you leave behind. A little effort now can save you a lot of awkwardness (or lost opportunities) later.
