The Perils of One’s Digital Footprint

An individual’s digital footprint literally and figuratively follows us wherever we go. One can use their phones to “check-in” to locations with applications like Four Square, email remotely, check their bank account, and update their Facebook status and blogs while “tweeting” their every thought throughout the day. As social media dominates our lives, it also has real consequences. Companies and new technologies are emerging to protect privacy and prevent the misuse of our data. However, this might not be enough to save the consumer from the unintended effects of their online trail. Being cognizant about one’s words and actions online seems to be the only truly effective solution.