Staying safe on the internet
The internet is growing at a rapid pace, and technology is becoming more and more commonplace - 40 years ago, having a computer or cell phone was rare, now, surviving in the modern world without a smartphone is difficult, if not impossible. With all the benefits that technology brings, there are also large dangers - keeping sensitive data private, being safe with who you interact with on the internet and also protection from technological threats like viruses and malware.
There are many ways that you can prevent these - one of the most important ways is protecting your private data. Certain information, like your name, address, phone number or anything that can be used to identify you, you should never give out on the internet. There is a rise in social media and ways to communicate with people you don’t know on the internet, but this comes with the danger of trusting the wrong person, as you have no way of verifying they are who they say they are. This phenomenon is known as ‘catfishing’ and is something you should be wary of.
Social media and its toxicity is also another large issue. There is a proven link between an increase in social media use and mental health issues like anxiety and low self-esteem which can cause more serious and long-term issues in the future. Social media especially is becoming an integral part of our lives as we use it to communicate, for news and to keep up with the times - it is even many people’s sole source of income. However, it is important to remember that everything portrayed on social media is edited and not representative of their true lives - the parts that are portrayed are often only the best parts of people’s lives. Another thing to be aware of is cyberbullying and trolling - people often find it a lot easier to say mean and offensive things from the safety of a screen, and this has created an atmosphere that can be very toxic on social media.
So what can you do to be healthier and safer online? The first thing is to make sure that you are being safe with your information and who you interact with - be very wary of people you have not met or know in real life, and treat them like the strangers they are. Make sure that you are also aware of the content you are consuming - know what is real and fake or edited. Unfortunately, social media trolls exist and will always exist, but be careful and try to make use of the app’s built in security features like reporting accounts etc. The best thing to do if you are feeling overwhelmed is to take a break from the internet and technology - try limiting your screen time for certain apps, or simply take a break from your gadgets entirely. It may be difficult, because we want to stay in the loop and stay in touch with friends, but short regular breaks can really benefit you as it gives you a much needed break from the intensity of it all. Most importantly, if you’re scared or worried about something, talk to someone and try and figure out a solution, whether that’s a parent, friends or mental health professional.
