Digital Decluttering Episode 2: Your Digital Online Footprint

How big is your digital footprint? 

Photo credit: @hckmstrrahul

 This seems such a big question now with so much of our lives online, but it is an important one to think about as we become more and more aware of what impact our digital choices are having on us. From the obvious Facebook and LinkedIn accounts to the hidden accounts that we register for to shop, search or download.

 But to get on top of your digital footprint is the same as any declutter or sorting activity it needs to be a slow and steady look at what you have and decide what you want to keep and what is no longer needed, it is just you and your computer for a while. Have a think about the areas that you could review:

• Social media and online community accounts: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, whatever the new or old favourite is

• Storage solutions: Cloud storage including One Drive, Dropbox, iCloud

• Online banking

• Email and databases

• Site accounts: shopping, gaming, events, newspapers

• Academic: school, university

• Applications

Be open and honest when you ask the questions

• Do I use it all the time

• Do friends / colleagues use it

• Do I want to still be a member of this community

• Do I use it at home or work

• Do I know how to use the account

• Can I control the content shown on it

• Does it amuse me when I am bored

• Can I consolidate the content

But most of all

Do I need it in my digital life?

If the answer is an honest no, then it is time to clear that clutter. Like any declutter job, it will take some time and will not be a quick job, but will put you back in the driving seat of your digital footprint and be able to make good future choices to keep the clutter under control

Next week I will focus on your digital legacy and have a think about what is out there....