Why You Should Clean Up Your Digital Life

July 19, 2024

Share this article

As our lives become more intertwined with the internet, our identities now exist not only in the real world but also in the digital world as well.

It can be challenging to remember where you’ve left a trail of information. All online activity creates a digital footprint, this can include whenever we join rewards clubs, buy goods online, access health information, and even sign up for sports (ourselves or others).

You may even be shocked to know that your digital footprint even includes social media posts of companies, friends, family or your own social media.

This is where your digital footprint matters because not only could it attract hackers interested in stealing your identity, but it could impact your financial, professional, and personal life where your public profile may be vetted for character checks.

Your reputation is arguably one of your most valuable assets, which is why it’s a good idea to monitor and review your digital presence. Being mindful of your online activity can also help protect you and your family.

What are “active” and “passive” digital footprints?

“Active” footprints are created when you deliberately leave your mark on the internet by your online activities. This could include:

Logging into work or your bank account.
Posting on social media.
Downloading an app.
Signing up for newsletters or retail coupons.

“Passive” footprints are any data you unintentionally left behind. This could be collected by simply visiting a website that might save your computer’s IP address and your browsing history without you knowing.

This footprint data could grow when the website or social media platform collects more personal information than you expect – such as your likes, comments, or shares – and when they use that data to build a profile on you to target for future advertisement or marketing outreach.

While sharing our personal information in order to receive goods and services is nearly unavoidable in today’s digital world, there are steps you can take to clean and minimize your footprint.

How to clean up your digital footprint

It’s best to start with a goal in mind when you attempt to scrub traces of yourself from the internet. Are you looking for a job and want to make sure your digital self is as impressive as your physical self? Or are you worried about identity thieves?

Keeping this goal in mind can help guide you in building your online reputation, as you clean your digital footprint. Here are some tips to consider.

1. Search for yourself

Search your first and last name in several search engines to find out what links to your name and what information is publicly shared. Use common misspellings and variations of your name too. If there is any information that shouldn’t be shared or is detrimental to your reputation, try contacting the website administrator to have it taken down.

2. Clean up your social media profiles

Keep track of all your social media logins and profiles and do a once- or twice-over check to make sure all the information is acceptable for public viewing. Think carefully before posting and untag yourself from questionable photos. Build a good reputation by taking initiative to create a blog or website showcasing your professional work and passion.

Do you know the individuals that are on your social media accounts? If you don’t, it’s best to unfollow them. Be aware that fraudsters may impersonate your friends and target you for potential financial scams.

3. Follow this rule of thumb

If you were an employer, would you feel comfortable hiring you based on what your social media profile shows about you? If the answer is no, then you should think about removing that information or revamping your profile. Your reputation matters.

4. Delete unused or old accounts

This goes for every website you’ve ever signed up for, whether it’s email accounts, newsletter subscriptions, social media profiles, and even apps. Deleting or deactivating unused or old accounts will reduce the likelihood of a hacker stealing your sensitive information and using it for fraud (e.g., identity theft). Plus, if there is information that you don’t want to share, such as the embarrassing first blog post you created in high school, this is a good opportunity to try to erase that information from the internet.

Also review your device’s apps for any that you don’t use or need, as some may still collect your data passively. If in doubt of how to delete or deactivate, contact the website or app administrator for details.

5. Check and adjust your privacy settings

Configure the privacy settings on your app, browser, or device to minimize data sharing. Limit your posts and photos to friends-only as well as your history on social media. Be aware that privacy settings can often change when there are updates to the platform, app, or device you’re using, so it’s important to check the settings regularly.

6. Think before you click

Websites you visit often collect data on you by using “cookies” that track your every move. Ask yourself if you are comfortable with having your activity tracked and whether you trust the website. Popup links and advertising are usually attempts to collect more information from you, and they could lead you to potentially malicious sites. Consider using incognito mode to minimize tracking.

If you believe you’re a victim of fraud, report it immediately to your financial institution and the local authorities to minimize further fraudulent transactions.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized professional advice. Articles on this website were commissioned and approved by Marcus by Goldman Sachs®, but may not reflect the institutional opinions of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions. Information and opinions expressed in this article are as of the date of this material only and subject to change without notice.