Every time you use a social network, send a message, or post online, you contribute to your online identity. This digital identity may differ from how people like your friends, parents, or teachers view you in the real world. Exploring different personas can be a fun part of online life. You can experiment with how you present yourself and discover more about topics that interest you. However, just like in real life, there are ways to stay in control of your online presence.
Key Considerations for Protecting Your Online Identity
Here are some important tips to help you safeguard your online identity and reputation:
- Nothing is truly temporary online. The internet offers countless opportunities to interact and share, but keep in mind that nothing is completely temporary online. Even if you delete something, it can still be seen or copied by others. Information and content you post can be saved, forwarded, or shared without your permission.
- Set your profiles to private. Profiles on social networking sites are often visible to others, allowing them to copy or screenshot information and images that you may prefer to keep private. Don’t rely solely on default privacy settings. Take the time to review each platform’s guidelines to ensure you’re doing everything possible to keep your content secure.
- Protect your passwords and change them frequently. If someone gains access to your account, they can easily impersonate you, damaging your online identity. Choose passwords that are difficult to guess and update them regularly. Never share your passwords with anyone except your parents or a trusted adult. Even close friends, boyfriends, or girlfriends shouldn’t know your private information.
- Avoid posting inappropriate or provocative content. What might seem funny or cool now could become embarrassing later on, especially if a teacher, admissions officer, or potential employer sees it. A good rule to follow is: if you wouldn’t feel comfortable showing it to your grandmother, coach, or best friend’s parents, it’s best not to post it. Even private pages aren’t completely safe — they can be hacked or shared without your consent.
- Ignore inappropriate messages or requests. Many teens receive uncomfortable or inappropriate messages online. If this happens, don’t engage with the sender. Instead, tell a trusted adult immediately. Responding to such messages can escalate the situation and may lead to further regret.
- Think before you post in anger («flaming»). If you’re upset and feel like sending an angry message or comment, take a moment to cool down. Online comments can linger long after you’ve calmed down or changed your mind. Posting while angry can hurt others and harm your online reputation if the wrong people see it.
- Be respectful online. The feeling of anonymity on social media can make people comfortable posting hurtful, insulting, or abusive comments. But keep in mind that online actions have real-world consequences. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t say or do something in person, don’t do it online.
- Respect copyright laws. It’s important to understand copyright laws and avoid sharing or distributing copyrighted content like images, songs, or files without permission. While you might want to share something, doing so illegally can have long-term consequences.
- Monitor your digital footprint. Periodically check your online identity by typing your username or email into a search engine. This can give you an idea of how others perceive your online presence and what content is associated with your name.
- Seek advice offline. If you have concerns about your online activity, don’t hesitate to ask a trusted adult. While you may know more about the digital world, adults have life experience that can provide valuable guidance.
Your online identity is shaped much like your real-life identity. However, in the digital world, you don’t always have the chance to clarify your tone or explain what you meant. Being thoughtful and responsible before posting can help you avoid creating an online reputation you might later regret.