Some of the harmful aspects when using social media are toxicity on the media. For example, the beauty standards and pretty privilege can put a lot of young teens in pressure to fit in with society’s expectations. Thinking they won’t be accepted when they are how they want to be, having to change theirselves to feel good enough. With that being said, cyberbullying is a serious issues that puts mental health on the line for some people. This could cause depression, anxiety, or even suicide as an option to someone. “About 10 percent of teens report being bullied on social media and many other users are subjected to offensive comments”
In order to maintain a positive digital footprint, I would advise using the internet wisely. As in being mindful of what to post, comment, or searching up. Using kind words and keeping negative thoughts inside instead of taking the time to write something hateful, remembering that anything put onto social media will stay there forever, and being careful while searching things up as they could be dangerous or explicit content. Keeping a positive digital footprint is important because it keeps your reputation clear. Whatever you post/say online is still in your hands no matter how it was said. This could also affect one’s future, believe it or not.
Though most uses of technology is secure, there are some procedures the youth could do to stay more protected. One of the simple ways you could keep your account safer is by keeping your account private for only your family and friends but still being wise when choosing when or what to post.
Work Cited
‘15 Internet Safety Tips and Internet Safety Rules | Kaspersky’. /, 13 Sept. 2017, https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/top-10-preemptive-safety-rules-and-what-not-to-do-online.CloseDeleteEdit
‘Internet Safety Tips: Stay Safe Online in 2024’. Malwarebytes, https://www.malwarebytes.com/cybersecurity/basics/internet-safety-tips. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
Online Safety (for Teens). https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/internet-safety.html. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
Social Media and Mental Health: Social Media Addiction. 16 Jan. 2020, https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/social-media-and-mental-health.z\
Personal/Social Competency Reflection
By spreading kind words online, I make a positive difference to my peers. With kindness, it helps build a positive community online. It’s just a few simple words that could make someone’s day a little bit better.
A strategy that I prefer to do in order to maintain a healthy, balanced online presence is not getting involved with unnecessary drama. Being irrelevant on social media is more safer and some drama could lead to more extreme measures if not taken care of.
I am aware that my digital footprint can have both positive and negative consequences, including cyberbullying, so I adjust my account to being private for only my peers or family to view. Also, being mindful of what I decide to post/comment, deciding whether it’s necessary.