I just googled my name. (And yes, I can use google as a verb.) There was some interesting information that came up including previous addresses, phone numbers, and family members names. There were also places I've never lived, people I've never met, and phone numbers I've never seen associated with me. How are these things tied to me? Your digital footprint is out there and everything you do online can have an effect on you either in the present or in the future. Why would that be important, you ask? I'm young and I can block my profile, you say? In this day and age, your digital footprint says a lot about you and many times, employers will google your name to see what comes up. So that compromising selfie you took when you were bored, or the choice words you used on an angry post, or the video you posted during that crazy party? All of those things could come up at some point in time. Usually it's not the most opportune time, either.
In an article from Rasmussen College (http://www.rasmussen.edu/student-life/blogs/main/your-digital-footprint/), it states "Generation Y'ers don't always understand that technology can be like Pandora's Box - with all of the good resources comes other things." Everything you do online is tracked or stored somewhere in the world wide web, good and not so good.
When you're researching majors and careers, keep in mind your digital footprint can play a crucial role in whether you receive a job offer or not. The internet is convenient when exploring majors and careers but always use those tools wisely. And don't forget to google yourself once in a while. Your digital footprint says a lot about you!
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