“Be careful of what you post online.”
It’s advice we’ve all heard before.
Most of us scroll through social media aimlessly without thinking twice. We like a post, leave a comment, upload photos from a trip, sign up for a new app or search for something random at two in the morning. It seems harmless enough. But every click, like, comment and search leaves behind something called a digital footprint.
A digital footprint is the trail of information you leave behind whenever you use the internet. Some of it is intentional, like the photos you upload or the opinions you share. Other parts are collected without you even realising it, such as the websites you visit, the advertisements you click on and the apps that collect data about your online habits.
Why does this matter?
Because your digital footprint is often the first impression people have of you.
Universities may look at your online presence. Employers frequently search for applicants on social media before offering interviews. Even scholarships, internships and volunteer organisations may check whether your online behaviour reflects the values they expect from their candidates.
This doesn’t mean you have to delete every meme you’ve ever shared or become someone you’re not online. It simply means being aware that what you post today could still exist years from now.
Think before posting something offensive. Be respectful when commenting online. Strengthen your privacy settings and regularly search your own name to see what others can find about you. Better yet, build a positive digital footprint by creating a professional LinkedIn profile, showcasing your achievements and participating in meaningful discussions that reflect your interests and skills.
The internet never forgets, but that isn’t always a bad thing.
A positive digital footprint can open doors just as easily as a negative one can close them. Every post, every comment and every interaction contributes to the story people read about you before they’ve even met you.
So before you hit “Post,” ask yourself one simple question:
“Would I be comfortable if my future employer saw this?”
If the answer is yes, you’re already building the resume you didn’t know you had.
Written By: –
Rtr. Kawindra Wickramasinghe
(Junior Blog Team Member 2025-26)
