Internet Survival Guide

An explanation of how the Internet has changed communication. Make sure to use at least one specific example.

The internet has changed communication because it allows people to get in touch more easily and information/news to be transferred faster. An example of this is when there's an emergency, such as Hurricanes or wildfires, and people need to evacuate and they can just be alerted through social media if something is about to happen or if something is happening that hasn't affected them yet.

Slide 3

Define Immediacy, Permanence and Lack of Control as they pertain to the Internet and explain how Immediacy, Permanence and Lack of Control affect both our offline and our online identities and lives. Include at least one example for each.

Immediacy is how immediate information can be spread around on the internet. Immediacy could affect our online life because if we post something by accident and a lot of people see it, than (depending on what’s posted) it could change somebody’s opinion of you. Immediacy could affect your offline life because it could keep you from getting a job if there's something that you post is bad and the company you work for finds it. An example of immediacy is if somebody posts something on twitter that’s racist, that would get around quickly and there would be consequences for that.

Permanence is how everything you post on the internet can be tracked even if it’s deleted. Permanence could affect your online life because if you post something negative when you're a young person or when you're not in the best state of mind, having somebody find that could alter how they perceive you. Permanence could affect your offline life because if you did something dumb in your youth, your potential job could hold that against you and not give you the job. An example of permanence is if a celebrity were to post something negative, that would stay on the internet forever because people would begin to repost and talk about it immediately.

Lack of control is when you post something on the internet, you can't get it back no matter what you do. Lack of control could affect your online life because once you post something, it's out there on the internet forever and people can interpret it however they want to, whether it's positive or negative. Lack of control could affect your offline life because if you post something and somebody misinterprets that, it could be held against you that you posted it in the first place.  An example of lack of control is if somebody were to screenshot a post or picture of yours, and edit to to make it seem like it’s something bad but it’s actually not.

Slide 4

What are two ways that you can actively manage and protect your identity and your reputation online? (one of each)

I can actively manage and protect my identity by not posting about personal things, such and my address or social security number, and I could protect my reputation online by not posting anything negative or offensive towards anybody.

Slide 5

Answer the question: “Does the Internet have rules?” Use at least one specific example.

I think that some of the internet has rules, such as certain websites, but I don’t think that the internet in it’s entirety has rules. For example, people could get banned from Twitter for doing certain things, but not banned from the internet for doing the same things.

Slide 6

Define cyberbullying in your own words.

Cyberbullying is harassing people online and making people feel threatened or offended about the things you say on the internet, whether it’s intentful or not. (Depending on the content.)

Slide 7

Describe at least 2 kinds of cyberbullying and why they are considered cyberbullying

There is a summary offense and a misdemeanor of the third degree.  A summary offense is considered cyberbullying because they are harassing / constantly communicating with somebody for no legitimate purpose. A third degree offense is considered cyberbullying because it is communicating with somebody anonymously in a threatening manner or at inconvenient times.

Slide 8

Provide advice for: victims, bullies and bystanders of cyberbullying

Victims should try to talk to an adult about what’s happening if it doesn’t stop because they could help you more than you think. Bullies should stop doing what they’re doing because there’s no valid reason, and they should focus on bettering themselves and stop being so unhappy with themselves. For bystanders of cyberbullying, you shouldn’t get into arguments online because it could make things worse, and you should report anybody that you see meaning mean to another person.

Slide 9

Your Top 5 tips for using the Internet

• Don’t: be mean.

• Don’t: post personal information.

• Do: always follow the law

• Do: report people if you feel the need to and you think there is a valid reason.

• Do: keep your account private and accept people who you know ow who you think aren’t a threat to you and your identity.