A digital footprint is known as everything we do and say online creating a footprint of sorts. Someone may have already accessed, viewed or saved something that people think they may have delete from the Internet, social media sites, or any online mechanism, it does not mean it is gone. That means that just because you have deleted it, it does not mean it is gone. The person that accessed the information or image may have saved it and then decided to share it onwards.
Our digital footprint creates the basis of our online reputation, a reputation that others may access to assess whether or not we are trustworthy, reliable, likeable, etc. One needs to be very careful with their online reputation, as it is just as important as their offline one.
There are many cons of having a digital footprint here are some examples of harmful digital footprints;
1. Identity Theft:
Any photo that is publicly shared is fair game for identity thieves so anyone is at risk especially perceptible teens. Posting personal information is a serious liability. Identity theft is on the rise and is a serious problem with very damaging consequences.
Personal data can be used to generate revenue without our knowledge
2. Employers & Internships:
Employers will Google you. Even if it’s just a job you are applying for to make some extra money while going to college. Additionally college internships are now becoming a prerequisite for gaining employment post-college. Internships are competitive enough. The difference between your son or daughter and another applicant could be their digital footprint.
Purchase behavior data may be used as a basis to reduce credit limits or increase interest rates
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