The use of the internet is significantly more common in our society today than ever before. People use it to pay bills, watch movies, and purchase items. More and more people are using the internet as a means of communication and research. Individuals need to be aware of the guidelines of being a good digital citizen. Being a good digital citizen is just simply behaving in a good manner while using the internet. People need to be reminded that there is a certain protocol that one must follow while using the internet for communication and research.
One of the number one ways that individuals use the internet is through social media. Social media includes sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. These are great sites in which individuals can communicate with family members, friends, and acquaintances These sites can allow for great conversation and information, but people need to be aware that these sites can sometimes be abused. Being a good digital citizen, involves following some simple guidelines when using social media sties. For example, one does not need to post any personal information that they would not want anyone to know on Facebook and Twitter. Addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers DO NOT need to be posted unless one knows the person and others cannot view the information. (I would still be careful) Also, one needs to make sure that they do not "flame" online. "Flaming" means that you are expressing negative emotion through your posts on the web. This can cause major problems because people who read the post might take offense to what is written.
Being a good digital citizen also involves how to research information properly from the web. One needs to always cite sources when quoting from someone on the web. Plagiarism is a big problem on the web, because it is so easy for people to "cut and paste" items straight off websites and claim it as their own. There are numerous websites just as turnitin.com that learning institutions are using to fight against plagiarism and copyright infringement.
Having a good digital reputation is so important for one to have. It is important because individual's digital reputations are so easily lost. It is very important that one watches what he or she posts online because the posting could come back to haunt you. Many employers are now checking Facebook and Twitter accounts of possible employees. Something that was mentioned in a post could cost one a job or an advancement. Always remember that nothing posted online is gone forever.
Its always good to be reminded about being a good digital citizen.
It is so easy for someone to take offense to something you have posted on the internet. There have been several times when I have had to read things over and over again to be sure I hadn't read something wrong or in the wrong context. Sometimes, it is just easier to not post anything rather than have someone be offended by something you have written. Normally, I double-check what I have written to make sure it can't be taken out of context, but sometimes it doesn't help. Someone will always find a way to misconstrue a statement you've made.
ReplyDeleteSo true! It is difficult to have a relationship through social media. You can not read someones emotions properly and many words can be taken out of context.
ReplyDeleteEmoticons help some with conveying meaning, but nothing quite replaces face to face interaction. I read the local paper online, but I always regret reading the comments because of the few that say hateful things for a reaction.
ReplyDeleteA good digital reputation is very important to have. Many people are regretting things that they may have sent online that have caused problems with their personal life or their work-life. In my area people have been fired for posting job related information on Facebook. It is very important that we use common sense and respect others online.
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