Digital Footprints

There is the saying "No matter where you go, there you are." Now that we leave "digital footprints" of our lives on the Internet we can just as easily say, "No matter where you've been, there you Still are." Social Networks such as My Space, Face Books, Chat Rooms are increasingly becoming part of the web landscape. Although there are huge benefits to be able to network with a global community to share ideas, information, ask questions, and show case accomplishments, etc., there is also an increased chance that you may potentially leave behind a "footprint" that you may regret in the future. Many employers are now using the web to search for information about perspective employees. So what can you do about embarrassing photos or comments about yourself posted on the web? The first step is to search the web and look into your own digital footprint. You need to see what kind of information about yourself is public. You should then make an effort to clean up your online profile of anything that might be potentially embarrassing or offensive. Most of the time you can do this without assistance. However, there is an emerging market of "cleaners", such as Reputation Defender and Reputation Hawk, that can assist you for a fee. You may also want to take steps to improve your profile by leaving "footprints" that highlight your positive traits and successes. The easiest way to avoid having to do a cleaning session is to always manage your Internet profile in responsible manner. A good rule of thumb might be "Think Twice, Post Once". Teachers and parents have the responsibility to educate children on how to effectively manage their "footprints". In my experience, I believe that conversations and explicit lessons can begin to take place at school and at home with children as young as 8 years old. That seems to be the age where many school age children (fortunate enough to have access to the Internet) start using applications such as Blogs and Chat Rooms at home and school. The use of these applications allow for those "teachable moments" about topics such as cyber bullying, online privacy, and digital footprints.