The best way for Kirsten to start cleaning up her digital footprint is to take the following steps:
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Audit Social Media Accounts: Kirsten should review all her social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) and identify any posts, photos, or comments that could be seen as unprofessional or inappropriate. She can either delete these items or adjust the privacy settings to limit who can see her content.
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Google Herself: Performing a Google search of her name will help Kirsten see what information is publicly available about her. She should check the results for any surprising information or old accounts that she might want to delete or update.
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Delete Unused Accounts: If Kirsten has accounts on platforms she no longer uses, she should consider deleting them. This reduces the risk of personal information being publicly accessible.
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Professional Online Presence: Kirsten should create or update a LinkedIn profile and ensure that all her online profiles reflect a positive and professional image. This includes using a professional-looking profile picture and sharing accomplishments and interests relevant to her college applications.
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Think Before Posting: Moving forward, Kirsten should be mindful of what she shares online. It's important to think about how her content might be perceived by college admissions counselors or potential employers.
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Educate on Privacy Settings: Familiarizing herself with privacy settings on social media platforms can help Kirsten maintain control over her digital footprint. She can limit who sees her posts and personal information.
By taking these steps, Kirsten can proactively manage her online presence and ensure it reflects positively on her as she applies to colleges.