Read the following passage about digital footprint and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the option that best fits each of the following questions from 23 to 30.
Imagine you are walking in the sand on a beach and as you walk, you leave footprints where you’ve been. Later, of course, the footprints vanish. But what if they stay there forever?
Well, that’s what happens when you use technology. It’s your digital footprint – a record of where you’ve been and what you’ve seen that you leave when you go online. Your comments on social media, the apps you use, everything you’ve searched for – all of them are part of your digital footprint which other people can see or can be tracked down in a database.
Your history of surfing the Internet can matter to companies because they want to send you adverts for things they want you to buy. But apart from businesses, there are other reasons why your digital footprint should matter to you.
Showing others who you are. If people get information about you, they might pick bits and then assume you are good or bad. For example, one day you write something silly online. Years later, it’s found by the university you’re applying to, and they don’t think it’s funny. Consequently, they may decide you’re not the ‘right’ kind of person for them.
Keeping your information private. Everyone has information about themselves that they don’t want everyone to know, but the Internet doesn’t make the same decisions that you would.
Keeping your money safe. There are plenty of people looking at information about you. Some of them want to steal from you, but the less information you put out, the harder it is for them. Bank details, card numbers, passwords, ... – none of them should be written in emails or text messages.
Overall, remember that you have a digital footprint, and think carefully before you click ‘send’ or ‘post’. No one can go online without leaving a footprint – but with care, you can control it.
(Adapted from THiNK)