Courtesy of money.cnn.com

We are all told to be careful of what we do online. We are told by our parents, teachers, peers, and authority figures. But why is this important? Does it really matter what we do online?

In fact, it does matter. You are constantly being tracked when online. Companies analyze your search pattern to adjust to your interests. They consider your location and websites you visit in order to personalize your online experience. Additionally, what you post is also monitored, and suggested posts are provided, and what you watch on YouTube will affect what videos are recommended to you. Even if you’re using incognito mode or InPrivate search, your internet provider and the websites you visit will still be aware of what you do.

However, that’s not all. When you apply for a job, the company you are applying for monitors your social media activity for anything that may show what kind of person you are. Even when you are hired, you will still be monitored. This is because the company is attempting to determine whether you will affect its public image in any way, whether it is good or bad.

When I asked Mr. Fuertsch about the importance of digital citizenship, he replied that “people connect faster than ever” and that “not having a social media presence is almost as bad as missing one or having one that’s negative.” He also pointed out that “once [something you do] is out there, you don’t have any control,” since there is a digital tattoo.

Think about how digital citizenship affects you and the online community. Former IAC PR executive Justine Sacco started the #HasJustineLandedYet trend with one racist tweet. Trump’s “covfefe” tweet left people confused and questioning what was happening to him, along with a large amount of #covfefe posts on social media.

There are many things that can result in bad things happening online, which is why you have to be careful. After all, you don’t want to be the most controversial trend since #HasJustineLandedYet or #covfefe, do you?