Millions of people use social media companies, such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Pinterest to socialize with people and keep up with their interests. But little do people know that every little thing, including liking a post’s comments, stays online forever. Because of this, what you do on social media can affect your career and future.

Major companies use this to their benefit. It helps them by collecting valuable data on their interactions. Many people in this generation either don’t know what stays online or don’t seem to care about the consequences for their actions. 

Anytime you search for something online, a trail of data is immediately left behind. Clearing your browsing history will not permanently delete this data because the digital software saves everything. Your every move online can be tracked.

According to “Ten Things to Know about Digital Footprints,” “Personal information or opinions sent to one person can be shared with an even bigger audience you would not want to know.” 

Digital footprint is your own data, history and information that exists on the internet. This includes anything you do online. Digital footprints are a very easy way to ruin your reputation if  people are not careful.

“I am very careful with what I post and do online because people can screenshot everything, and it always comes back to you. If I have a feeling I shouldn’t send a certain text, I don’t because I know the consequences,” said freshman Abby Hills. 

 This is why you must be careful with what you post or text people. Digital footprints are a good idea so nothing permanently goes away,  but you should always think twice before doing anything online.