Your reputation online precedes you. When you make a new connection, it’s all too easy to search for them on social media sites: to learn about their interests, likes and dislikes, see photos of their family, discover what groups they’re part of, etc. You can bet that if you’re curious about them, they are just as curious about you.
We each have a ‘digital shadow,’ a reputation that precedes us online. With the popularity of social media sites constantly on the rise, some children even have a digital shadow before birth! Here’s what you need to know about your digital shadow and how to keep yourself safe online:
A digital shadow (some call it a digital footprint) is created the moment you post information about yourself on the Internet. Some argue that it happens before that- when others post about you. Just as your name and number appear in phone directories, they also show up in directors on the web without your consent or knowledge. Though you may be using the Internet to spread the word about your business, it’s time to consider the amount of information available about you.
Be clear with yourself. Take a moment to think about what you really want to get out of your online experience. Are you comfortable being open with anyone who chooses to type your name into a search engine? Do you prefer privacy? Determining what you want to share online is the first step in understanding your digital shadow.
If you prefer privacy, it’s time to assess what personal information of yours is already available on the web. Have you checked your privacy settings on Facebook recently? Facebook is famous for updating privacy settings, so make sure that yours are set to your liking. View your settings and change them HERE. Once you’ve updated the sites you currently use, think back to ones that aren’t current. When possible, make sure that you deactivate accounts that you no longer use.
If you’re an open book, that’s great too! Make sure, of course, that you’re not revealing too much identifying information online. Social applications like Foursquare allow you to “check in” at various locations. Checking in at the coliseum for MAIC 2013 is a great way to connect with others, but checking in at your home address or checking in at every place you visit in a given day means that someone online can locate you easily in real life. That’s not always a good move.
Always keep in mind, whether you prefer privacy or transparency online, that the things you share on the Internet stay there. Your shadow grows larger with time as more information is shared with your name attached to it! Just because you choose to delete a tweet or blog post doesn’t mean that it’s not still living out there in cyberspace somewhere.
In general, simply be mindful of what you’re allowing to be said about you online. It’s nearly impossible to completely erase a digital shadow, so work to become aware of the footprint you’re leaving behind.
Do you have tips for staying protected online? Leave ’em below!