Perhaps you’ve seen the recent trend on social media where people ask AI to create a caricature of them revealing their interests, hobbies, jobs, family, and more. That trend sparked my curiosity, so I asked AI to create a caricature of me based solely on what it already knew. I was curious to see what it would come up with, and the image below confirmed that the internet knows me as a lawyer who gives speeches and enjoys gardening and painting— spot on!
So, then I asked it to create one of my daughter, Lizzy Savetsky. Given her strong influence and public presence, I was curious to see what it would create. It absolutely nailed it, depicting her as an outspoken advocate for Israel and Jewish causes. It accurately portrays Lizzy’s larger-than-life personality, balancing her media persona with her role as a mom of three kids. It’s incredible!
After seeing these images, what struck me most was that AI didn’t invent these versions of us, but reflected what already exists online. Every post, photo, and article contributes to a digital footprint that tells a story about who we are. Considering my passion for helping people create a lasting legacy, it dawned on me that our online presence plays a key part in defining our legacy and shaping how future generations remember us.
I challenge you to go online and research your name. What comes up? Is it a fair and accurate reflection of who you are? Now ask yourself: how do you, or your children or even your grandchildren, learn about other people? Studies consistently show that the internet and social media are now primary ways people learn about one another, shaping first impressions long before a conversation ever takes place. Today, when people want to learn more about someone, whether it’s a colleague, a new acquaintance, or even a family member, the first place they often turn is the internet, especially younger generations.
I say this to drive home a point. As technology continues to develop, and we know it will, our online footprint develops as well. That digital footprint will be a key part of defining our legacy. It will outlive us, and the story it writes will be discovered by future generations for years to come. So, what do we do with this information?
First, take time to analyze your digital footprint. Does it reflect your values and the story you want to leave behind? Is there anything you would want to update or build upon? For me personally, my weekly blog posts live on The Blum Firm website and create a written record for future generations to learn more about my values, my work, and my story. Even if you don’t have a blog or website, social media platforms are powerful tools for discovering your story. Whether you like it or not, the digital world will give future generations a window into who you were.
Next, take action to secure your digital footprint. For example, consider what happens to your online accounts after you’re gone. What happens to your Facebook account? Do you want it deleted, or would you prefer to designate a legacy contact who can manage your page and notify others of your passing while keeping it accessible? These are important considerations when planning for the future.
A few decades ago, we might have laughed at the thought of a digital legacy. But here we are, and the fact is, a lot of how people know us is from the internet. In fact, our Marketing Specialist, Katie Heck, said her dad was researching how to make a lotion that his late grandmother made that dated back to the early 1900’s. Thankfully, in 2009, his cousin had a blog and posted the recipe, and her dad made it and gifted some to his family. Not only did the blog contain the recipe, but it also included the backstory of how it started in their family. Thanks to the internet, this legacy has lived on for over a century. Amazing!
Because of technology, our little corner of life looms larger. The story we’re weaving will live on in an internet tapestry for infinity. A century from now, my great, great grandchildren may research my name and learn about their old departed Zaidy. I hope the story will make them proud.
Marvin E. Blum
An AI image created from a photo of Marvin Blum with his weekly blog underscores how technology and online presence can shape a lasting digital legacy.
Without any added prompts, AI portrayed Marvin Blum as a lawyer, speaker, and creative spirit—an illustration shaped entirely by his existing digital footprint.
For Marvin Blum's daughter Lizzy Savetsky, AI captured her public persona with striking precision, highlighting her Jewish identity, motherhood, and influential media presence.