Watch Your Online Steps
Every time you browse a website, click a link, post on social media, or even search for directions, you’re leaving behind tiny digital traces—pieces of information that make up your digital footprint. Some of these digital traces are intentional, and some are collected quietly in the background.
Over time, all those little bits of data add up. Companies use them to build profiles for advertising. They look at what you have been interacting with and searching, so they know what to show you. Even apps you don’t remember installing could be gathering and storing your information.
Understanding your digital footprint is a crucial step in protecting your privacy and online identity.
The Trail You Leave Behind
There are two types of digital footprints: active and passive. An active footprint is all the things you intentionally choose to share online, such as comments on social media posts, photos, and emails.
A passive footprint is all the data collected without your direct input. This could include things like your location, browsing history, cookies, and the websites you click on. Artificial Intelligence has amplified this type of data collection. For example, AI can monitor how long you stay on a page, your scrolling patterns, and your “likes.” This type of data then leads AI to push content that aligns with your interests and beliefs.
3 Reasons Why You Should Care
Your digital footprint isn’t just background noise—it can shape how others see you, open you up to risks, and even influence opportunities in your future. Here’s how.
#1 - Privacy is a large concern for people, especially in our digital age, and companies and websites track more than you think.
#2 - Publicly available information can pose a security risk for scams and phishing attempts.
#3 - Employers and schools will often look up potential candidates and attendees to see what they are posting.
Being mindful of your online trail helps you protect your privacy, safeguard against scams, and present yourself the way you want to be seen.
How to Take Control of Your Digital Footprint
The good news is that you don’t have to be powerless. There are simple steps you can take to manage and protect your digital footprint.
- Google yourself occasionally to see what personal information is publicly available.
- Review your privacy settings on social media and mobile apps. This is especially important after phone software updates.
- Clear your browser’s history/cookies regularly.
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
- Think before you share.
By staying proactive and thoughtful about what you share and how you secure your accounts, you can keep your online presence safer and more under your control.
Learn & Stay Safe with the Library
From practical tech programs to online learning tools like LinkedIn Learning freely available to BPL members, your library is here to support you every step of the way.
Our LinkedIn Learning top picks:
Managing Your Digital Footprint (from the course Working and Collaborating Online)
Cybersecurity Awareness: A selection of introductory courses and mini sessions.
