What is a positive Digital Footprint?

A Digital Footprint is a trail of data and information that you leave whenever you use the internet. It’s anything from your online searches, accounts that you have with social medias, content that you share, etc. To some that might sound scary and intrusive but a Digital Footprint is something that is a necessity to the internet and keeps it functioning. Without it, people could do anything, say or search or put anything that is harmful and dangerous on the internet and would be able to get away with it. In our daily world where we use the internet every day and our entire infrastructure depends crucially on it, everyone should understand what a Digital Footprint is and why it is a Positive tool for the internet.

What is a positive Digital Footprint and why is it important? A positive Digital Footprint is someone’s positive activity on the internet. It could be someone having a LinkedIn that had all of their credentials and past jobs, someone’s posts on the internet like a positive message or family photos, positive reviews that you put online for restaurants, etc. Something everyone should know though is everything you do has a trace and will not be gone forever, your actions on the internet are permanent and will have a trace left behind with it, and the importance of that is crucial in our daily world. “A positive digital footprint is more than just an online presence; it’s a reflection of who you are, showcasing your skills, achievements, and values to the world. In an increasingly connected world, shaping a thoughtful and professional digital footprint can open doors to new opportunities and help you stand out for all the right reasons.” (Jalger, 1) Having a strong, positive digital footprint will help you stand out across other people in interviews, gain more opportunities for yourself, make yourself look professional and shows the values that you keep.

What are the many different ways we can create positive digital footprints? There are many unique ways someone can create their own positive Digital Footprint. It can range from anything small like sharing positive content online or something bigger like positing inspiring content or ways that other people can contribute in their community. Using the internet, people are able to build and expand on their brands and stature, creating new and unique things for people to discover. “Creating or expanding a personal digital footprint positions a brand or individual as an expert or emerging expert in their chosen field” (Ratzlaff) It is an important tool for anybody looking to expand their online portfolio/job opportunities. It’s not about showing off, it’s about establishing and showing the experiences and expertise that you have learned.

What does it mean for someone to have a negative digital footprint? Someone having a negative digital footprint can mean a lot of things. It could mean they have said negative things on social media like slurs or go out of their way to upload and spread misinformation online. Having this type of content associated with your name is not a good look for future employers, people doing business with you, or anybody in general seeing the content you post. It is telltale to who you are when you are saying rude and degrading words towards other people. “It’s not acceptable that we turned something for medical uses into something that is an insult.” (Angela, 3) Having degrading and negative content associated with your name impacts how people look at you, and it could truly have a negative impact on your life if it really escalated that far.

Overall, a digital footprint is a powerful and strong tool that represents our online actions, whether it be a positive or negative action. Everyone who uses the internet in their life should be aware of what a digital footprint and the consequences it can have for you if you don’t use the internet responsibly. We should all know that using the internet as a tool to upload helpful and positive content is a great way to grow your footprint and portfolio online. Our footprints online leave an impression on others, and you need to be mindful of what you upload and say online. Your actions on the internet stay their forever, and they have a bigger impact on other then you truly think.

Ransom, Stephen. “Digital Footprint Wisdom” Openverse, https://www.flickr.com/photos/fredcavazza/3428921418. Accessed 17 January 2025

Curtis, John. “digital footprint (right)” Openverse, https://openverse.org/image/c3366018-6686-4a14-b96c-d3aa8f1a6765?q=Digital+Footprint&p=4. Accessed 17 January 2025