Managing Your Digital Footprint

Reinforce why it's important to be really careful about what your older adults post online. What you share can have long-lasting effects that you might not even realize. Think of your digital footprint as a tattoo: permanent and very hard to remove. Here are some ways to be sure you and those you work with leave good digital footprints.

Consider the permanence of online posts. When you post something online, whether it's a photo, a comment, or even a like, it can stay there forever. Even if you delete it, someone might have saved it, shared it, or taken a screenshot, and it can resurface later. This is important because something that seems okay to post now might not feel the same way in the future. It could affect job opportunities or relationships.

Be in Control of Your Digital Footprint. Everything you do online, from the websites you visit to things you share, adds to your digital footprint. It's like a record of what you do on the Internet. You are adding to your footprint even when you are not thinking about it. Doing something that seems inane, like shopping for new clothes or a gift for a friend is added to your digital footprint. This footprint can tell a lot about you. It can tell more than you'd like people to know, so it's important to be mindful of what you're contributing to it.

Post Safely. One message that comes up time and again is always be cautious with personal information like your address, phone number, or anything else that could be used to identify you. People can find out more about you with something as simple as your picture, your phone number, your email address, or your social media handle. Think before you post. A good rule is if you wouldn't say it in person, you probably shouldn't post it online.

Share Thoughtfully. Share things that you're proud of and that represent who you are. Remember, once it's out there, it's out of your control. Be considerate about what you post about others. Respect others' privacy. You wouldn't want someone sharing a photo or information about you without asking. Be sure to extend the same courtesy to others. Ask the adults you're working with if they regularly share pictures of their kids and grandkids online. If the answer is yes, explain that when people get to a certain age it is best to ask permission to post their picture online, especially if they are pre-teens and teens.

Be Careful about Posting in Real-time. Don't post your location or pictures of your activities in real time. If you are on vacation, posting pictures lets people know you are not at home and you can become a target for thieves. Post your pictures when you return from vacation or when you return home from dinner.