Digital Footprints

Every time you go online, you leave a trail behind. This trail is called your digital footprint. It includes what you search for, post, and like. Your digital footprint can last a very long time.

What Makes a Digital Footprint

Posting a photo online adds to your digital footprint. So does watching a video or sending a message. Even just visiting a website leaves a small trace. Websites use small files called cookies to remember you. Your digital footprint is made up of all these little pieces.

Why It Matters

Your digital footprint can be hard to erase. Things posted online can be seen by many people. Future teachers or employers might look at it someday. It is smart to think before you post anything. Always ask yourself if you would be okay with everyone seeing it.

Fun Facts

• About 5.4 billion people use the internet, and they all have digital footprints.
• A single Google search creates a tiny digital footprint.
• Some websites remember what you looked at and suggest similar things later.

Did You Know?

Once something is posted online, it can be very hard to delete completely. Even if you remove a post, someone might have already taken a screenshot of it!