STREAMLINE: Take control of your digital footprint
Just like your physical space, your online presence can become cluttered with unused accounts, forgotten subscriptions, and endless scrolling through information overload.
Taking control of your digital footprint isn’t just about organization, it’s also about privacy and security.
Here are some ways to minimize the amount of data scattered across the web and curate a more mindful online experience.
Identify and Delete Unused Accounts and Subscriptions: Think back to all those times you signed up for a service with the best intentions, only to never use it again. This can include social media platforms, email addresses, online shopping accounts, and streaming subscriptions.
Remove information in any of your accounts that isn’t needed anymore, such as saved credit cards or old documents in cloud storage.
Deactivate or delete the accounts you no longer use or find valuable. Many platforms allow you to do this directly within your profile settings.
Unsubscribe from Email Fatigue: Our inboxes can become battlegrounds against the constant barrage of promotional emails. Unsubscribing from unwanted emails not only declutters your inbox but also reduces the amount of data companies collect about you.
Keeping your Inbox organized can actually reduce stress and anxiety, improve your focus, and make it easier to find important information. Take advantage of filters, folders, and labels to help manage any clutter, and to improve overall email efficiency.
Review Privacy Settings: Many online platforms, especially social media, offer a range of privacy settings that allow you to control who sees your information and activity. Decide what information you want to be public and what should remain private. Explore the privacy settings on all your social media accounts and other online platforms. You can also adjust settings to control how your data is used for advertising purposes.
Social Media Detox: Social media feeds can be a source of inspiration, information, connection, and entertainment. But they can also be a drain on your time and mental energy. Unfollow accounts that do not positively serve you – you can always revisit them if you miss them. Schedule social media breaks to disconnect and recharge.
From a digital security standpoint, unfollowing social media accounts limits the amount of personal information visible to people you don’t know. Unfollowing accounts also limits trackers that the social media platforms and third parties often use to follow you across the web.
Securely Dispose of Electronic Devices: Just as you would shred sensitive paper information, you should securely dispose of electronic information you no longer need. Devices have the ability to store information even if you have deleted it, including phones, networking equipment, copiers, printers, and fax machines. Thoroughly wipe all electronic devices before recycling or have them shredded by a trusted vendor. Pro Tip: your full-service Loveland Water and Power department occasionally hosts recycling events.
By following these steps, you can take control of your digital footprint, minimize the amount of data you share online, and create a more streamlined and secure online experience. Remember, decluttering your digital home is an ongoing process. Set aside some time regularly to revisit your accounts, unsubscribe from emails, and adjust your privacy settings. A little effort goes a long way in creating a calmer and more secure digital space.
