Digital Citizen

Being a Responsible citizen in this Digital World Compiled By: Elizabeth Renfro Extension Agent – FCS Washington County

Why Should I care…I am not online. Did you know that in 2015 3 in 5 children between the ages of 3 to 17 use the Internet at home. ( Source: https://www.childtrends.org/indicators/home-computer-access ) In a survey conducted by Pew Research Center, in 2014 & 2015, 95% of teens go online using a mobile device. Also, 45% say they are online constantly.

Okay But I am Not 15 years old…What does this have to do with me? Adults 65+ 60% are online 75% Connect with friends & family 50% Search health 60% Shop 50% Use social networks 80% Are online weekly 25% Say they need help 25% ARE NOT using “Privacy Settings” at all!!! Teens Teens use multiple social platforms with Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat being the most popular. 71% of them indicated they use more than one social media platform In a survey of 600 teens, in 2012, indicated nearly ALL shared their real name and photos of themselves. They also use social media for romance. Source: https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/news/e-updates/february- 2016-teens-social-media-use/index.html Source: http://www.binarytattoo.com/the-new-senior-citizen-is-a-digital-citizen/

You Mean There are Guidelines To Being Online…. Yes! To protect not only your safety but also for your loved ones. Did you know all to often seniors share way to much information on social networks (i.e. Facebook)?!?! Be mindful of what you share on social networks, seniors are more likely to overshare because of past methods of communications (letters, phone calls) Yes it is a good way to communicate with loved ones, such as your children or grandchildren, but it can also hurt their pride by being embarrassing and can even affect their privacy! Did you know that many social networks share as much public information as possible? So that comment you made on a picture or post could be shared with millions of individuals.

Oversharing Vs. Digital Footprint “When people share something they later regret.” (www.commonsensemedia.org) “All the information online about a person either posted by that person or others, intentionally or unintentionally.” (www.commonsensemedia.org) Picture Source: www.commonsensemedia.org. Social Media and Digital Footprints: Our responsibilities.

So How do I protect my privacy? Be mindful of what you are sharing. DO NOT OVERSHARE your personal information. Don’t share when you are going somewhere out of town. Be careful of posting exactly where you live. Be mindful of answering the “fun” lets get to know you type post. Yes it maybe fun to think back to growing up, what is your favorite food, mothers maiden name, etc. but in this day in age those questions line up very similar to questions asked when you “forget your password on a site.” This is ideal for someone to gather that information to use against you. When setting up social media accounts go into the privacy settings and set to the best option for you that shares only the information you want shared. Choose to “opt out” of participating in something. If it doesn’t allow you to opt out then decide how much information they are wanting from you. If you are not comfortable with it then reconsider signing-up. Turn off the “cookies” for that app.

Cookies? Do you mean like a Chocolate Chip Cookie? These are not cookies that you can eat but: “Small text files placed on your device by the sites you visit that collect information about your device and your activity.” (www.commonsensemedia.org. Being Aware of What You Share.) So have you ever wonder why you keep seeing adds of that blouse or pair of shoes you just so happened to look at on an online store? Well it was a cookie that saved that information and that company could have sold that information to another third party and that is why you keep seeing ads.

Read The privacy Policy According to CommonSenseMedia.Org it’s important to ASK: Accessed: What will be accessed? Shared: What will be shared with other people or companies? Known: What could be known about me if I use this?

Create a strong password to protect your information Consider using a memorable phrase. Such as: “The grass is greener where you water it.” Only you and/or your spouse should know your password. NEVER use any private identity information in your password. Create passwords with at least eight characters. Use upper and lower letters, numbers, and symbols in your password. Such as: Th3gr@$$I$GreenerWhereY0uW@terIt! Source: Password Power-Up Lesson. www.commonsense.org/education .

Remember: Think twice before posting or sharing information with others (websites, social media sites, etc.) Read the privacy policy before signing up. Use a strong password to protect your information.

sources https://www.childtrends.org/indicators/home-computer-access Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018. Pew Research Center. http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/05/31/teens-social-media-technology-2018/ The New Senior Citizen is a Digital Citizen. http://www.binarytattoo.com/the-new-senior- citizen-is-a-digital-citizen/ February 2016: Teens’ Social Media Use: How They Connect & What It Means for Health. https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/news/e-updates/february-2016-teens-social-media-use/index.html www.commonsensemedia.org