Concerning Cyber Caution
March 2, 2010
Filed under Student Life, Top Stories
In-ter-net (noun)
A vast computer network linking smaller computer networks worldwide (usually prec. by the). The Internet includes commercial, educational, governmental, and other networks, all of which use the same set of communications protocols. (courtesy of Dictionary.com)
In recent years, the online world has become as close-knit as ever with the booming success of social networking sites, (ex: Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter) online stores, and news companies being able to transmit up-to-date happenings within a matter of seconds. However, remembering some key online safety points, as trivial as they might seem, can help to keep your online endeavors as enjoyable.
Keep your identity private.
Especially when you’re in public forums, keeping your identity safe should be a big must. Usually you’re not aware of the exact identities of who you’re conversing so you could be talking to someone from China for all you know when they say they say that they live with their family in suburban New Jersey. By not revealing too much about yourself can keep you safe from any unwanted contact.
Try to resist the urge to click the wonderful flashing ads.
You are not, in fact, the 1,000,000th visitor so don’t click to get that free laptop/phone/really cool item that sounds too good to be true. When you were little your tech teachers tried to teach you how the flashing ads were nothing but trouble. Well, that rule still applies.
People are not always who they say they are. Remember that. So be careful when “friending” people you don’t know.
Recently there was an issue for Le Jardin students who are also Facebook users concerning a certain online identity by the name of “Anna Polito.” No one was able to pinpoint who she was despite attempts made by some to clear up confusion. Speculation and concern ramped up every now and then when “she” made snarky (or otherwise out of the blue) comments to people and kept everyone on edge. “Anna Polito” has since deleted her profile, but the underlying fact is that this could have been an example of an online predator and stresses how caution should be exercised at any time when using online communities.
Don’t respond if people are harassing or sending unwanted messages or email to you.
In fact, as unimportant as it might seem, showing them to a higher authority can help you to solve the problem faster for you.
Don’t post pictures or videos of yourself that you wouldn’t want friends or family to be concerned about.
With the internet as close-knit as it is now, practically anything posted on the internet can be seen by everyone. One local example has come up recently where a sophomore at an Oahu school sent an inappropriate video to a fellow classmate which was then forwarded throughout the high school. Students have been kicked out because of this incident. Even students who didn’t watch the video but forwarded it on to fellow students have faced consequences by the school administration. It just goes to show that the old saying of “guilty by association” still rings true.
Shopping Online
When shopping online, be careful of “who” (you never know) you’re giving your credit card number or source of payment to. Fraud affects anyone and everyone, and can happen without warning.
Don’t Let Social Networking Sites Impede Your Success In Life
Although it’s pretty much the norm for high-schoolers these days to have a Myspace or Facebook profile, make sure to keep in check how you present yourself online and how this could affect your future. According to Mr. Lietdke some people of interest who check social networking sites include:
- College admissions officers
- Teachers writing your letters of recommendations
- Potential employers or summer jobs and internships
And for those seniors who have already been accepted to colleges there are also these audiences who will look at what you post online:
- The admissions staff
- Your professors
- Your Residential Advisor
- The campus judicial board and/or campus and local police (if you get into trouble)
Just use common sense.