Whenever you use technology online you leave behind digital footprints. This includes digital cameras, smart phones, iDevices, tablets, laptops and computers. Your footprints contains little pieces of information about you. They could include personal information like your name, date of birth or address. It can capture your interests, likes and hobbies. Sometimes we leave this information knowingly, other times it can be taken without us even realizing.
A digital footprint is like an invisible report card that accumulates over the years and is a general reflection of our online activity. What kind of digital footprint do you leave? Your digital footprint can be searched, shared and seen by a very large, invisible audience. Most importantly, like actual footprints, your digital footprint is always a part of you.
The largest digital footprint that we leave is on social media. Every status update, like, share, retweet, comment, screen capture and picture is part of our record. With all of our digital devices, it’s easier than ever to let everyone know what we’re thinking, where we’ve been, where we’re going, and even what we had for dinner. In this age of ‘share everything’, we should be conscious what our digital footprint will say about us.
Here are some common etiquette practices we should consider
1
Be respectful
Never post anything you wouldn’t want your clients, co-workers, clergy nand most importantly, your mother to see or read. Sometimes, we’re so quick to post a comment or reply that later you find yourself regretting, and then deleting.
2
Be nice
The golden rules of ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ have nearly disappeared in the digital onslaught of ‘now, Now, NOW’. Be kind and remember, even though you can’t be seen, for the most part, your digital voice can be heard loud and clear. Positivity and encouragement will go a long way.
3
Personal and professional profiles
When possible, try to keep your personal and professional profiles separate. If you decide to have only a personal profile, keep in mind, your personal online personality could affect your professional reputation, and that of your employer.
4
Take a time out
Before you post, think to yourself, is this something I truly want to share, is it reactive, am I venting, and am I okay with everyone seeing this? Another thing to consider, is the information appropriate for this platform or should it be communicated in a different way.
