What strategies can youth use to maintain a positive digital foot-print online and why is it important?
Tighter Privacy Settings
Using tighter privacy settings will help you keep boundaries while you are using social media so you feel at ease and relaxed about your digital foot-print. All social media service providers like Instagram, give you a choice to manage your privacy settings. You just go to the privacy settings and set up the boundaries you want. This is important so that you have and keep a positive digital footprint.
Be Cautious
When you are on any social media app you should be cautious when you respond to surveys or any other questions online because this could leak your personal information. It’s important to be extra careful giving out your personal information and choosy about what you post because it can be used against you in the future. Also, always remember that what ever you post online can be reposted and shared without your approval.
What are the harmful aspects that exist in the use of technology and social media?
Eyestrain
Using technologies and social media could be harmful because it can lead to eyestrain. Eye symptoms could lead to dry eyes, or a headache. To avoid these kinds of problems you should take a break from the technology like, doing your favorite activities like bike riding, a sport or hanging out with friends at the mall. You should also get your eyes checked out regularly by an eye doctor.
Technology Addiction
Using technology can be addicting and the more you use your devices the more it becomes a habit and could lead into an addition. You might not even realize how long you have been on your device and then before you know it, you are addicted to it.
What should youth do to use technology safely and positively?
Check your Screen Time
You should always check your screen time to see how much time you spent on social media so you can see when it’s time to take a break. You could set an alarm on your device so you know when it’s time to rest.
Limit your Online Accounts
The more online accounts you have the bigger your footprint will be. You should delete any accounts that you don’t use or need. This will help you use your devices in a safe and positive way. Did you know that it’s safer to check out as a guest instead of creating an account with any retailer because that will help you live having extra accounts online.
Core Competency reflection
“I know that what I say or do online can really affect people, so I try to think before I post and treat others with respect. When I’m kind online, it makes my friends feel more comfortable and supported. Just being a good person online, like checking in on someone or saying something nice, can really make someone’s day better.”
Cited
Strategies to Help Protect Your Digital Footprint’. Morgan Stanley, https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/digital-footprint-protection-strategies.
Social Media Safety | RAINN. https://rainn.org/safe-media.
‘6 Common Social Media Privacy Issues | TechTarget’. WhatIs, https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/feature/6-common-social-media-privacy-issues.
Canada, Communications Security Establishment. ‘How to Avoid Sharing Too Much Information Online’. Get Cyber Safe, 7 Sept. 2021, https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/how-avoid-sharing-too-much-information-online.
‘Articles’. Cedars-Sinai, https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/articles.html.
What Is Technology Addiction? https://www.psychiatry.org:443/patients-families/technology-addictions-social-media-and-more/what-is-technology-addiction.