Simple steps for reducing your digital footprint on social media
Digital footprint is a trail of data you create while using the internet. It includes the websites you visit, emails you send and information you submit to online services. Your social media digital footprint refers to the information shared on social media platforms. If you post in the public domain, potentially anyone in the world could see your posts. And more crucially, once you click “post”, it’s out in the world and a challenge to retract.
To read a deep dive on what digital footprint is, please click here.
Social media is a massive contributor to our digital footprint for a few key reasons:
Posts are public by default - Most social media platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram are public by default, allowing anyone on the internet to view your posts. You have to configure your privacy settings to make your account private manually. Until you do this, all the posts you make are in the public domain, your photos, opinions, personal information, etc.
Personalised data collection for ads - Social media platforms are designed to be data collection platforms that teach brands about your interests, habits, location and personality, to enable them to better target you with paid ads. The more information they gather on you, the better they will be at targeting you. Many of us have been served social media ads after viewing a particular product online.
Content Recommendations - Platforms use your activity to suggest similar content or connect you with people who share your interests, to encourage you to stay within the app/website.
Social media makes it extremely easy to create a large and detailed digital footprint behind.
Controlling your social media digital footprint: Privacy settings
The process for restricting privacy settings is typically the same. Here's a breakdown to help you navigate this process on major social media platforms:
1. Identifying the Settings Menu:
Look for the "Settings," "Privacy," or "Account" section. It's usually found under your profile picture or in a gear icon.
2. Controlling Who Sees Your Posts:
Under "Privacy" or "Post Settings," you'll find options to control who sees your posts by default. Choose between "Public" (visible to everyone), "Friends" (only your confirmed friends), or even create custom lists to share with specific groups.
3. Managing Location Sharing:
Look for "Location Settings" or "Privacy Controls." Here, you can choose whether to allow the platform to access your location and if it gets attached to your posts automatically. You can also review past location history and disable it entirely.
A platform-specific breakdown (general locations may vary):
Facebook: Settings & Privacy > Privacy Checkup. Here, you can review who can see your future posts, your profile information, and manage location settings.
Instagram: Settings > Privacy. Here, you can manage who can see your posts, stories, and direct messages. You can also control location tagging and story replies.
Tiktok: Settings & Privacy > Privacy. Toggle the switch next to ‘private account’ in the on position.
X (Twitter): Settings and privacy > Privacy and safety. You can control who can see your tweets, send you direct messages, and tag you in photos. You can also disable location tagging.
LinkedIn: Settings & Privacy > Account Privacy. Here, you can manage who can see your profile information, your activity feed, and control who can send you connection requests.
Implementing these steps will go a long way in reducing the amount of information you share publicly, thus minimising the digital footprint you leave behind.
What are the benefits of having a smaller footprint?
Lowered security risk: the likelihood of malicious actors finding your personal details on social media is lowered i.e. birthday, location, photos, making it less likely to be a victim of identity theft or targeted scams.
Lowered reputational concerns: knowing you haven’t posted anything you regret on social media, you can be confident that future employers will not see anything you would prefer them not to.
Tips for creating a more mindful social media digital footprint
Social media habits to consider for a more mindful approach:
Think before you post: before posting, think critically about whether you would be happy with this content remaining on the internet. Consider if you’d be comfortable with your employer seeing the content.
Limit oversharing: minimise sharing unnecessary personal details like your address, workplace, phone number, birthday and pictures of children.
Beware of quizzes, surveys and giveaways: Be cautious about what information you provide online, you do not know where the information may end up.
Personalise your feed: ensure that you follow accounts that make you feel good and contribute to a positive social media experience. Unfollow accounts that post content that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks from social media to disconnect and focus on the real world.
By adopting some of these practices, you can gain control of your digital footprint, increase your privacy and create a more positive and mindful online experience.
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Author: Karimah Ayinde
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