The Internet is not just a one-way street that you think you can always hide in anonymity.
Many people, whether they are conscious of it or not, are sharing more information that they need to or they want to And this leaves the internet having many tidbits of records about people, not knowing in the future if it can work for us or against us.
This is why, I am advocating for a more responsible internet usage, especially on our role as passive and active influencers to others.
The things you do online leaves trails – digital footprints – on virtual sand.
Every time you step on this virtual sand, other people can be “walking” behind you and see your trails. It is the same way how you check the current and old posts of your favorite bloggers or vloggers or influencers.
We do not know who may be following our trails online. It can be a future business partner, a job recruiter, or even future life partner.
As one study says, even the most introvert person can influence at least 100 person in his or her lifetime, what more one can influence in the midst of the growing social web?
And this, I find to be a very big responsibility.
You have influence on others with the things you post online. And the question is, what is
The footprints you leave on the internet can and will affect other people. Either you educate, inform, entertain, advocate other people or be a douche online is your choice. Just be mindful that you leave your footprints behind.
So, every time you use the internet, be mindful of the digital footprints you leave for others to see.
For business people and professionals, all the more that you need to be more conscious and strategic about how others can see and perceive your online presence, which in essence, part of your online personal branding. (Read: 10 Social Media Lessons I learned)
