You probably use a `Social Network` these days, like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, right? You send a `Text` message to your friends, you `Post` a beautiful `Photo`, you `Share` a video you like. In this way, with every little thing you do online, your own identity, that is, who you are and how you behave, is built in the `Online` world. Sometimes this `Online Identity` may be a little different from how your friends, family, and school teachers see you in real life. Trying out different characters online can sometimes be fun. You can change the way you appear to others, the way you behave, and explore more about the things you like. But, just like in real life, there are some steps that can help you stay in control online. Let's talk about that today.
Why is this ``Online Identity`` and reputation so important?
Think about it, this "face" you create online, or your `Online Identity`, can affect your future. When you apply to a school, university, or a job in the future, some institutions may check your `Social Media Profile`. Then, you may lose an opportunity because of something inappropriate that you have posted `Online`. Therefore, it is very important to be careful about this.
"What you say online is like your 'digital road'. Every step you take along that road can be seen by someone."
Simply put, your online reputation, the way others think of you online, is just as valuable as your real-life reputation. It's your responsibility to protect it.
Remember these things to protect your online identity and reputation!
Okay, so let's see how to protect your online identity and reputation. If you keep these things in mind, you can stay pretty safe.
1. Nothing on the internet is 'temporary', after all!
This is the most important thing to understand first. You can't completely remove anything you post online. Imagine, you are angry with a friend and you post something bad in anger. Even if you delete it after a while, someone can still take a screenshot of it. Or download it. You have no idea how many people will forward it and how long it will stay online. So, think not twice, but three or four times before you post something. Ask yourself, "Is it okay for me to see this forever?"
2. The importance of making your `Profile` `Private`
On many `Social Networks`, you can set your `Profile` to `Public` or `Private`. If `Public` is set, anyone can view, `Copy`, and `Screen-grab` your information, `Photos`. They may be used in ways you don`t want. Therefore, always set the `Privacy Settings` of your `Social Network Profile` properly and keep it `Private`. Don`t just rely on the `Default Settings` (i.e. the settings they initially give) of each `Site.` Read the `Settings` carefully and keep your things as private as possible.
3. Guard your `Password` like gold!
Your `Password`, that is, your password, is like the key to your house. If it falls into the wrong hands, they can impersonate you, do bad things with your `Account`, and damage your `Reputation`. Therefore:
- Use a strong `Password`. Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords (like your birthday or name). Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Change your password frequently.
- Don't share your password with anyone. Don't share your password with your best friend or lover, except with your parents or a trusted adult! It's your personal thing.
4. Think twice about inappropriate pictures and `Comments`
Some pictures, videos, and comments that you think are funny or ``cool`` now can be a big problem if you look at them years later, or if your teacher, someone at a higher education institution you're applying to, or someone who might be offering you a job in the future sees them.
The best rule is this: "If your grandparents, your parents, your best friend's parents, or someone you respect sees something that would make you feel embarrassed and think, 'Oh, what has this kid done?', it's best not to post it."
Don't forget that even if you post on a `Private Page`, it could be `Hacked` and someone could `Copy` it and `Forward` it.
5. Do not respond to inappropriate requests!
Many young people receive inappropriate messages and requests online. Sometimes from strangers, sometimes from people they think are friends. These can be very scary, strange, and embarrassing. If you feel like someone is harassing you online, tell an adult you trust (a parent, teacher, etc.) right away. Never respond to such messages. Doing so will only make things worse. You may end up saying something you don't want to say.
6. Be patient before posting in anger - let's avoid flaming.
Have you ever been so angry about something someone said that you immediately feel like posting a harsh `Text` or `Comment`? At such times, wait a few minutes and calm down. Remember, even if your anger subsides or your mind changes, that harsh `Comment` you posted may still be online. You will regret it later. `Posts` made in anger like this are also called `Flaming`. Therefore, do not be a slave to emotions, but act intelligently.
7. Do not post comments that hurt or insult others.
Since we can hide our real names and details on some `Social Networks` and `Forums`, some people think that they can say anything they want, insult others, and hurt others. However, it is important not to say or do things online that we would not do face-to-face with someone. Doing such things not only hurts other people's feelings, but if someone ever finds out who you are, it will also be very damaging to your `Reputation`. Think before you `Post`, "Would I say this in front of them?"
8. Let's respect `Copyright` laws.
We cannot use or `share` every picture, song, or video on the Internet as we want. They have owners. That is what `(Copyright)` is for, that is, copyright. If you `post`, `share`, or distribute other people's things without their permission, it is illegal. Such things can cause you problems in the future. Therefore, be aware of `Copyright` laws and respect them.
9. Check out your 'Digital Footprint'
This is just like detective work. Type your `Screen Name` (the name you use `online`) or `Email Address` into a `(Search Engine)` like `Google` and see what comes up. That way you can get some idea of how others see you `online`, what your `Online Identity` is like. This is called `(Digital Footprint)` - the traces you leave behind on the internet.
10. Seek help from a trusted adult, ask for it
If you have any questions or doubts about the traces you leave on the Internet, about your `Online Identity` , don't be afraid to ask a trusted adult (mom, dad, teacher, a relative you trust). True, you probably know more about `Technology` and `Social Media` than most adults. However, their life experience will help you a lot. They will give you good advice.
Finally, this is what I have to say (Take-Home Message)
Your online identity and reputation are built just like your real-life identity. But there's one big difference. When you say or do something online, you don't always have the opportunity to clearly explain your meaning and tone. People can misunderstand you based on just your words.
Therefore, before `Posting`, `Share`, or `Comment` something, think not once, but several times. Use the internet responsibly. Then you will not have to regret later, saying, "Oh, why did I do/say that?", and you can build a good `Online Identity`. It will be very valuable for your future as well. Be careful!
Online Identity, Online Reputation, Social Media Safety, Digital Footprint, Cyber Security, Youth Online Behavior
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