Safe online practices are also an integral part of digital citizenship. While it is impossible to list all such practices comprehensively, for it changes with each scenario, let us talk about it at its basics. Online safety boils down to the fundamental idea of understanding and respecting privacy. And it is a two-way street.
First, be extremely sure of what you are sharing online. Nothing that goes into the virtual world is 100% private. While it is not meant to alarm you, it is required to be mentally prepared for the worst-case scenario. It is always better to pause and think before you share personal information online.
Second, as careful as you are about your privacy, return the favour. The internet is somebody else’s space as much as it is yours. Since social media is omnipresent these days, the gap between one’s professional and personal online selves is becoming smaller. All information is available at the click of a button. However, it is your responsibility, all of ours, in fact, to use our discretion and maintain boundaries between the private and the public. It is unethical and unprofessional to bring up personal preferences or experiences in a professional setup, even if you have access to all such data.
Always stand up against cyberbullying. It is a crime and is known to cause deep emotional harm. Online anonymity is a smokescreen. Every action of your online leaves a digital footprint and can be traced. Threats, defamation, or instances of harassment can be traced back to the perpetrator. Never respond to bullies and talk to a trusted friend. Legal and psychological recourse is also available against cyberbullying.
If you find yourself relating to all that has been stated above, remind yourself that it is a privilege. Digital citizenship is not the norm, even though it feels like one. There are millions across the globe, especially from developing nations, who are struggling to bridge the digital gap. Accessing required tech or having a stable internet connection is a luxury in many parts of the world. Despite these huge differences, as we find ourselves on the other side of the spectrum, let us never forget our ethical responsibility to make the internet a safe space for everyone.
The privileges, the rights are there for us. Being a digital citizen goes beyond geographical barriers that open up the entire world to us. We belong to the world and it is our oyster. Sitting in Zimbabwe, you have the option of attending a lecture at Stanford. Our choices have increased exponentially. As we explore and appreciate that privilege, it also means that we take on a larger responsibility: for humanity as a whole. We take it upon ourselves to be ethical and empathetic. We acknowledge that every voice deserves to be heard. We always remember the human behind the screens. We strive towards making the virtual world safer.