The Ten Most Important Things to Know About the Internet
Net Predators
Net predators are adults who use the Internet to harm teens. They pretend they are teens to gain your trust and set up a face-to-face meeting. At the meeting, they will try to harm you or force you to do things you don’t want to do. So be careful. Some people are not who they pretend to be. If anyone every makes you uncomfortable or if a stranger asks you to meet, shut off your monitor and immediately talk to a parent or trusted adult.
1. Net Predators
Net predators are adults who use the Internet to harm teens. They pretend they are teens to gain your trust and set up a face-to-face meeting. At the meeting, they will try to harm you or force you to do things you don’t want to do. So be careful. Some people are not who they pretend to be. If anyone every makes you uncomfortable or if a stranger asks you to meet, shut off your monitor and immediately talk to a parent or trusted adult.
Bullies that use the Internet are called “cyber bullies.” They use email, instant messaging, and post comments to spread lies. So how do you treat a cyber bully? No matter what they do, it’s important to remember that they are trying to provoke you – you frustrate their efforts by ignoring them. If some tries to cyber bully you, talk with a parent or a trusted adult – they can provide advice or assistance.
Just like you can get sick, computers can get sick. A computer can get a virus if you open an attachment or download a file from someone you don’t know. Viruses can damage your computer and erase files. Prevent your computer from getting a virus: use antivirus software, keep the antivirus software updated, use good judgment before downloading anything, and don’t open files or click on links sent by someone that you don’t know.
Hateful people build websites designed to trick and mislead people. Sometimes, they include both truth and lies to fool people. Hate websites target religion, race, politics, ethnicity, and even countries. They’re designed to spread lies and hate to hurt people. So don’t believe everything you see on the web. If it seems suspect, question it! Some websites are liars.
Protecting your password is important because if someone gains access to your password, they can steal your identity and your personal information. Practice good password safety by not tell anyone, even your friends, what your password is. If you accidently reveal it, change it immediately. And lastly, choose your password wisely. Don’t use your pet’s name, your name, or anything that could be guessed as your password.
Spyware and adware can infect your computer. These are programs that are somewhat similar to viruses that can steal personal information and slow your computer down. On the Internet, one out of every ten websites can infect your computer with spyware or adware. Protect your computer by using anti-adware and anti-spyware software keeping this software updated.
Who would go into a job interview and curse or tell embarrassing stories? Well, you may if you use a website like MySpace inappropriately or blog inappropriately. Did you know that 83% of recruiters use search engines to learn more about candidates applying for a job? If you have friends that post to your profile and make references to drugs or alcohol – even in jest – it may reflect badly on you. You’ll end up not getting the job or scholarship you wanted – and will never know the reason why.
On the Internet, what you post or blog can be held against you forever? So anything that you post could be archived and saved on the Internet – forever. Search on “the Wayback machine” – you’ll find a site that archives popular websites. Because personnel departments conduct Internet searches to disqualify job candidates, what you have posted in the past might be held against you in the future.
Spam is flooding the Internet. How do you minimize the annoyance of Spam? First, ignore any sales offer received from a Spammer – it’s not worth the risk of buying from someone that might rip you off. Second, don’t give your email address to unfamiliar websites. Thirdly, don’t “opt out” or ask to be removed from a Spam email. Spammers will confirm the validity of your email address and send you even more Spam. Lastly, use Spam filtering software.
What’s Netiquette – it’s a word that means Internet etiquette. It’s just as important to treat people with courtesy and respect online as it is in real life. When you instant message, chat, or email someone over the Internet, they can’t see your face to tell if you’re teasing them or saying something in jest. How do you practice good Netiquette? It’s simple – just treat others as you want to be treated – with courtesy and respect.
Special Thanks to Bright House Networks for making it possible to write, film, and broadcast The Ten Most Important Things to Know About the Internet.
Below is a letter to Brighthouse Networks thanking them for their contribution.
Dear Indiana Residents,
In 2005, Bright House Networks took a chance on a dream that a group of high
school students had and invested in an organization that used youth power to
increase computer access, computer literacy, and Internet safety. Since then,
we’ve increased computer access to hundreds of nonprofits impacting tens of
thousands of individuals. And now, Bright House Networks is making it possible
to increase students’ and families’ awareness of The Ten Most Important Things
To Know About The Internet.
Bright House Networks is a socially responsible company that cares about giving
back to the communities that it serves.
In behalf of the youth volunteers that comprise Net Literacy and the tens of
thousands of individuals that been impacted by Bright House Network’s generosity,
Thank you Bright House!
Sincerely,
Brian Kelley
Net Literacy Youth Chair
Bright House Networks also made it possible to donate refurbished computer to IPS School #78 (Minnie Hartman Elemetary). The video below illustrates this commitment.
The sound may not work on the above video, to hear the sound, download the file.
