1.  My digital footprint could affect my future either positively or negatively. One example is if a company you want to work for, volunteer for, or intern for looks you up online. In this situation, what they see could very well impact your entire future. If they find that you have been irresponsible or rude, they may choose not to hire you. If they find that you have been polite and mature, they may be more inclined to hire you. Another example is when applying to any post-secondary institution. This is along the same lines as if an employer were to look you up. Really, anyone that you come into contact with could look you up, and depending on what they see, all future interactions with that person could be affected.

2. Three ways I can keep my digital footprint appropriate and safe are asking myself is it is something I would be okay with my grandmother seeing or hearing, getting someone else to check what I’m about to say or post, and checking if it gives away anything specific about me, people around me, or my location. This way, all pictures, comments, etc. are appropriate, safe, and not something I will regret in the future. An overall strategy I use is thinking about what I’m doing from the point of view of another person and what they would think. Ex. if someone else were to post it, what would my first response or thought be? If it is negative, then it’s probably not a good idea.

3. There is nothing I would go back and change. I have no social media and have always been careful with my online communication. If I could give advice to other students, it would be to remember that some people are not above online bullying or taking a snap shot of something you send them. You have to remember that there are people out there who will use any personal information you give out online and use it against you. It’s so important to be aware of everything you do online and/or digitally. You have to protect yourself from stuff like that before it can happen. Some other advice is to remember that behind almost every account is a real person. You have to respect people online just like you have to respect them in person. Just because you don’t see the face behind the account doesn’t mean it’s not there.