(Un)Limited Digital Footprint
A few days ago, one of my buddies made a declaration to me that caught me somewhat offguard. What seemed out of nowhere, he definitively said, "I'm trying to leave a limited digital footprint." The heart of his message was that he is trying to stay relatively off the radar, with the intended goal of having as little about him as possible findable on the internet.
I have old high school friends with ZERO digital footprint. Seriously. I was trying to find a few people recently, and to my shock, they were digital ghosts. How is that even possible?!?!
Everyone can navigate this digital footprint however they choose, but today, I want to share my perspective. Here's how I responded when my buddy said he wanted to leave a limited digital footprint. "I'm trying to leave an UNlimited digital footprint!" I laughed. He laughed. We laughed.
Seriously, though, I mean it. I want to leave the largest digital footprint possible. Perhaps we need to define the term "digital footprint." The entire concept has morphed over the years.
In 2008, a digital footprint looked something like this on Facebook: "Travis Shelton is taking a poop and hitting the gym. It's gonna be a great day!" Yes, very insightful!
Over time, we got more serious (and gross) about this whole digital footprint idea. Here's what it looks like in 2026. "Trump is evil!" or "I love Trump!"
Again, very compelling! To most people, this is what a digital footprint consists of. It's a collection of random thoughts, gut reactions, and potshots. This is not what I'm talking about when referring to my aspiration for an "unlimited digital footprint."
Instead, what I'm shooting for, and advocating others similarly pursue, is a tangible legacy that will linger long after we're gone. Photos, video, wisdom, art, and impact. That can take many different forms, but the results are similar. When we're no longer here, we're creating the opportunity to continue making a difference in other people's lives. It's a simple, but profound idea.
My family recently watched the new Twenty One Pilots movie, More Than We Ever Imagined, at the theater. I was blown away. It touched me at a very deep level, and I've been thinking about it ever since. But I keep thinking about this concept of a digital footprint. If bandmates Tyler or Josh were to pass away today, this gem would remain with us forever. This film is a masterpiece representation of their brilliance and craft. They spent their time, energy, resources, and creativity to put it together, then shipped it to the world to enjoy. It’s here permanently….forever.
To me, this is a perfect representation of this idea of leaving an unlimited digital footprint. If I get hit by a bus today, I will leave a massive digital footprint. Not some ridiculous political potshots that will be loved by half and hated by half, but sincere, authentic, (hopefully) value-add content that will make a difference in other people's lives for years to come. Will it make an impact? Hard to say, but the opportunity is there. That’s all I’m asking for.
I hope everyone takes advantage of this same opportunity. Those who come after you deserve to maintain a piece of you after you're gone. What a gift!
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