<br />In the world of technology, we're accustomed to deleting photos, files, and messages with the click of a button, assuming they're completely "gone." But the reality is quite different. Even digital waste, like waste in the real world, doesn't disappear so easily.<br />What is "digital waste"?<br />Digital waste includes deleted files, unused apps, unwanted emails, excess photos, and other data we no longer need but that still takes up space on our devices or in the cloud.<br />What happens when you delete a file?<br />When you delete a file from your phone or computer:<br />• It isn't immediately erased; it's simply hidden from the user, freeing up space for rewriting.<br />• On internet servers or in the cloud, copies of files may be stored for weeks or months as backups.<br /> • Some companies retain data even after deletion, for security or analytical purposes (and sometimes marketing!).<br />Why is this a problem?<br />• Your privacy is at risk: Deleted files can be recovered with special software, compromising your sensitive information.<br />• Increased energy consumption: Storage servers around the world operate around the clock to store massive amounts of data, consuming enormous amounts of electricity.<br />• Digital pollution: Not physical, but it impacts the environment through a digital carbon footprint.<br />How can we reduce our digital waste?<br />1. Regular file cleanup: Delete unnecessary files and photos from your devices.<br />2. Unsubscribe from unimportant messages: Reduces data load and storage.<br />3. Use cloud storage wisely: Don't save everything online for no reason.<br />4. Delete old accounts: Such as accounts for apps and websites you no longer use.<br />5. Use secure deletion tools: Some programs permanently delete files without recovery.<br />Does this affect the environment?<br />Yes! Every megabyte we store online means energy consumed to run massive servers. Therefore, reducing unnecessary data reduces energy consumption and contributes to environmental protection.<br />Conclusion<br />We live in a data-intensive age, but we need digital awareness. Deleting a file doesn't always mean the end of it. Protect your privacy, organize your data, and be digitally responsible.<br /><br />Al _ Mustaqbal University, the first university in Iraq<br />Prepared by: Shahad Nawras Abbas<br />