DIGITAL FOOTPRINT,WHAT ARE YOU LEAVING BEHIND??

          

                

 Presented by KULEGIT 

Every time you post, like, comment, or share something online, you're creating a digital footprint,a trail of information about you on the internet.

What most people don’t realize is that this footprint can follow you into the real world. Employers, scholarship boards, and even collaborators often do a quick online check before making decisions. So what do they see when they Google your name?

That wild tweet from 2021?

Those unfiltered rants on your story?

Every scroll, click, comment, or post might feel like a small moment,but online, nothing really disappears. Everything you do on the internet becomes part of your digital footprint,the record of your online presence that builds up over time.

So what is a digital footprint, really?

It's made up of all the information connected to you online:

Your social media accounts (Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok)

Photos and videos you’ve been tagged in

Blog comments or WhatsApp group chats that get screenshotted.

Even your Google search history and the sites you visit,

Some of this footprint is active,like when you post a selfie, drop a comment, or tweet your thoughts.

Some of it is passive,like when a friend tags you in something or when a website tracks your visit.

Why should you care?

Because what you leave online can be searched, saved, and used,either for you or against you.

Example 1:

Imagine you apply for a scholarship or internship during your 300 level. The sponsor searches your name and finds memes you posted insulting a religion or tribe, or posts filled with vulgar language. That alone can cost you the opportunity,without them even reading your CV.

Example 2:

You’re good with graphics or editing videos,something you casually post on your WhatsApp status. One day, someone from your department refers you for a paid gig because they saw your work online. That’s a positive digital footprint working in your favor.

Example 3:

You got into a heated debate on X (Twitter) during your 100 level and said something offensive or insensitive. Even if you’ve grown and changed since then, screenshots can still pop up years later. That’s why it’s important to stay intentional.

What can students do to control their digital footprint?

1. Google yourself. See what comes up. If you don’t like what you see, start fixing it.

2. Set your privacy settings properly, but remember: privacy is not immunity.

3. Think before you post. Ask yourself: "Would I want my future boss, lecturer, or even my mum to see this?"

4. Use your online presence wisely. Showcase your talents—writing, designs, events you’ve managed, aca
demic wins, etc.

5. Be kind online. Bullying, trolling, or mocking others might go viral, but it comes with consequences.

Final words?

In this digital age, your online presence is your reputation. You don’t have to be boring,just be smart. You’re not just posting for now; you’re posting for your future.

KULEGIT – Your Campus, Your Voice, Your Future.

Scripted By: KULEGIT 

Editor: KULEGIT team

Chief Editor:Dr.Ifeoma Catherine