Digital footprints: Forever online 

Imagine this. You’re 22, interviewing for your dream university or job. Things are going great; until the interviewer pulls up a post you shared years ago; a joke you thought was funny, a rant typed in anger, a photo from a careless moment. And suddenly, you’re no longer the top choice.

This is the power and the problem of the digital footprint.

Every like, every comment, every reel, every screenshot builds a permanent trail of who we appear to be online. Even deleted posts can be recovered, shared, or saved by someone else within seconds. Today’s generation isn’t just growing up with technology—technology is growing up with them, recording each chapter.

What exactly is a digital footprint?

It is the record of everything you do online, like posting stories, reels, searching online, visiting various websites, sharing comments, gaming profile, fitness tracking, and so on. It’s like a shadow; always following, rarely forgotten.

The upside

While it may sound scary, it’s also a powerful opportunity. A positive digital footprint can:

 Highlight talents; sports, art, music, coding

Build confidence and connections

Showcase achievements for universities and careers

Turn you into a creator, leader, or young entrepreneur

Students using the Internet wisely have gotten scholarships, internships, and even brand deals. Think of your online profile as a digital resume you start building now. 

The downside

On the flip side:

Oversharing can lead to bullying or leaks

Harsh comments may brand you as insensitive

Viral mistakes can haunt you forever

Strangers learn more about you than you intended

Here’s a student-friendly checklist:

• Set strong privacy controls, update regularly
  
• Use real names respectfully to match your achievements
  
• Avoid impulsive posting; emotion fades, screenshots stay
  
• Clean up old posts that don’t reflect who you are now
  
• Follow accounts that inspire, not pressure
  
• Share skills, passions, and accomplishments
  
• Be a digital ally; report bullying and hate
  

“Every student’s online post is a digital tracker, meticulously tracking the path to their future. Today’s carefree post is tomorrow’s scrutinized document for college admissions, scholarships, and job interviews. The internet has no delete button; it only has ‘publish.’ The person you present online now is the resume the world will read later. Remember, Social media is not our personal diary where we can share anything and everything; it means a platform with all kinds of people who see your portfolio and posts like it is a letter of your tomorrow, your future.” shares Janvi Sharma, student of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg. 

So, next time your thumb hovers over the ‘post’ button, ask yourself: Is this the version of me I want the world to remember? Because whether you’re ready or not… 

You’re forever online.