More and more, young people are coming to realize that everything we do online creates a “digital footprint” which can have real-life consequences.
A TikTok user went viral after describing their social media-inspired nightmare, in which they allegedly lost a job opportunity because of something posted online that their potential colleagues saw.
“Me realizing the digital footprint is real because when called for a job interview they loved me but when they did a background check they said they didn’t want to hire me anymore,” @shoomew, a TikTok user, wrote in the text of a video that has gained over 4.1 million views.
In a short statement, Jayden, the high schooler at the center of this story, confirmed its veracity and their feelings on the situation.
“I was very shocked and sad even because it was such a good position!” Jayden said. “This won’t change how I post because I feel like I’m already too far gone. Hopefully, a TV career will take me instead one day haha.”
Older generations have been weary of the internet since its early days when warnings about online tracking first appeared. In contrast, Generation Z was born into an age where the internet already existed; as a result, their digital records date back to almost their time of birth. Without any real understanding of the potential consequences that could arise from their actions online, Gen Z continues to build up these records with each passing day.
More than 7000 people commented on the video, with a lot of them expressing shock at Jayden’s story. Many asked how they could do a background check on themselves to make sure something similar didn’t happen to them.
“If my future employee ever sees this, please know that i have dreams, thank you,” one user wrote.
“PLEASE I AM NOT MY INTERNET PERSONA,” another person said.
@shoomew IT WAS 20$ AN HOUR TOO!! WITH NO EXPERIENCE!! ALL I HAD TO DO WAS GREET PEOPLE AT A SKI PLACE ☹️☹️
A cybercrime expert found and stitched together a video with tips on how companies find potential candidates online.
“Here is how a company can find your digital footprint,” the 19-second video, captioned by Chris Southerland Jr., has been viewed 14.1 million times.
Southerland stated that depending on the occupation you want, there are multiple thousands of ways employers can research your history.
@chrisjr404 here is how a company can find your digital footprint #tech #techcareer #techtok #technology #cyber #cybersecurity ♬ original sound – chrisjr404
“Personally, I am not worried about what I post online whatsoever. If I did want to lock down my online presence, I would use a different real name, username, profile picture, and email for all my different social media accounts,” Southland later said.
He stated that there are ways to keep some details hidden on the internet.
“Additionally, I would not attach a phone number to the [social media] account that was on my résumé and make my accounts private,” he added. “Lastly, make sure when you Google your name, nothing pops up that you do not want found.”
