Digital footprint

A digital footprint symbol

Digital footprint or digital shadow refers to one's unique set of traceable digital activities, actions, contributions, and communications manifested on the Internet or digital devices.[1][2][3][4] Digital footprints can be classified as either passive or active. The former is composed of a user's web-browsing activity and information stored as cookies. The latter is often released deliberately by a user to share information on websites or social media.[5] While the term usually applies to a person, a digital footprint can also refer to a business, organization or corporation.[6]

The use of a digital footprint has both positive and negative consequences. On one side, it is the subject of many privacy issues.[7] For example, without an individual's authorization, strangers can piece together information about that individual by only using search engines. Corporations are also able to produce customized ads based on browsing history. On the other hand, others can reap the benefits by profiting off their digital footprint as social media influencers. Furthermore, employers use a candidate's digital footprint for online vetting and assessing fit due to its reduced cost and accessibility.[citation needed] Between two equal candidates, a candidate with a positive digital footprint may have an advantage. As technology usage becomes more widespread, even children generate larger digital footprints with potential positive and negative consequences such as college admissions. Since it is hard not to have a digital footprint, it is in one's best interest to create a positive one.

  1. ^ "Dictionary.com: digital footprint". Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  2. ^ "What is Digital Footprint? Webopedia. Definition". www.webopedia.com. 29 April 2008. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  3. ^ "Digital Footprint Definition". techterms.com. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  4. ^ "What is digital footprint? - Definition from WhatIs.com". WhatIs.com. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  5. ^ Madden, Fox, Smith & Vitak, Mary, Susannah, Aaron, Jessica (2007). "Digital Footprints". Pew Research Center.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ COLLINS, KATIE. "Monitoring digital footprints to prevent reputation damage and cyber attacks". Archived from the original on 12 August 2013. Retrieved 8 August 2013.
  7. ^ "Owning Your Privacy by Managing Your Digital Footprint". Stay Safe Online. 23 January 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-08.