Every online activity we indulge in has its offline impact.
Because digital indulgence has become a daily part of our lives what we do online matters a lot and does have its offline impact. Every time we access web, we leave digital imprints of our activity, formally termed “Digital Footprint”. It is the information about a particular person that exists on the Internet as a result of their online activity. For example all the social media activity on various platforms like Facebook, twitter, YouTube, etc. and all the activity such as likes, comments and shares are ones digital footprint.
The time we are living in what we share online is somewhat more like making declaration; remember “You are What You Share”. These digital footprints have a long time effect on one’s profile. Just the way before getting into any job you search about the employer, the recruiter also search for the candidates social profiles.
The stats below show how digital footprint affects one’s opportunities:
– According to a 2014 Jobsite Social Recruiting Survey, 93% of recruiters check a candidate’s social profiles before making a hiring decision.(source)
– Approximately one-third of 2,300 employers who participated in a survey by CareerBuilder.com said they found content on social media that resulted in a candidate not being given a job offer. Reasons given for not hiring included finding provocative or inappropriate photos, evidence of alcohol or drug use, poor writing skills, disparaging remarks about current or previous employers, racist comments, and lying about one’s qualifications. (source)
Your searches and statuses are all reflections of questions, experiences and emotions you have: all psychometric data. It’s the basis for a future where computers can truly interact with human beings. — John Rust
Before getting all stressed up about the whole concept know that there are ways to manage it and keep it positive. Mentioned below are resources that can help you for the same:
– How to teach students to build a positive online identity
– 6 Keys to a Positive Online Presence and Reputation
The important thing that needs to be acknowledged is the right use of internet and a positive web presence. And these two thing go hand in hand if you use internet wisely there is no way you will leave a negative digital footprint. Also, one doesn’t have to stop using social media platforms as the presence over these are equally important. Just understand where you have to draw the line and abide by that. While discussing the issue with kids and teens you don’t have to tell them to stop using or stop posting content will be counterproductive. Having no digital footprint is as worse as having a negative one. All you have to encourage is to maintain the balance of online activities and you’re good to go. Make sure that the content you share, post or like are appropriate and is not something that you don’t want your employer, teacher or any such person who will be deciding for your take in any further opportunity to go through because chances are that such people will definitely dig deep when they will have to make a pick among you and the other candidates.
Also, You Can Clean Up Your Digital Footprint. To know how, go through this checklist and make sure you have a tick on all the mentioned options!
