What You Post on Social Media Today Might Hurt You Tomorrow
The age of social media is more prevalent than ever. Anyone from a child to an adult uses at least one social media platform to stay updated and communicate with friends and family. In fact, 3.2 billion people use social media, which equates to about 42 percent of the population.
Social media is very prevalent in this day and age.
With such a large amount of people using social media, there is plenty of information cycling through these platforms. However, much of this information is quite negative. Forty-one percent of teenagers claimed they had a negative experience while using a social media site. Another 88 percent -- a very staggering number -- have seen someone be mean or cruel on social media.
With all that being said, how can teenagers stay safe and use social media in a positive way? What happens if they do not?
Positive Digital Citizenship
The key to maintaining positivity on social media sites is to develop the idea of positive digital citizenship. This term is defined as follows: “treating others with respect in online spaces and never cyberbullying.”
Positive digital citizenship goes much beyond that basic definition. It also involves making appropriate decisions when communicating with others; refraining from stealing someone else’s digital work; and protecting personal information.
Personally, I believe in being a positive digital citizen by complimenting others and spreading positive messages. I am part of an organization that works to empower collegiate women through writing. In this organization, they spread uplifting and inspiring messages on their social media accounts that call on people to take steps towards a more fulfilling life.
I choose to relay those messages to others in hopes of creating a more positive community on social media. By doing so, it spreads joy to others and gives them a more optimistic outlook. Additionally, if someone disagrees with me on a topic, I simply ignore the comment or respond in a factual manner. There is no need to add any fuel to the fire, so to speak.
Be positive online and offline.
Teenagers can begin to implement this idea by thinking about what they are posting and how it would affect someone. Parents can also weigh in on their child’s safety by displaying positive actions for their children to follow. The model of digital citizenship plays off of citizenship in general. Think of how you treat people offline and in the real world. Then proceed to do the same online.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying has grown in recent years. In fact, 70 percent of teenagers have reported seeing bullying online. This negative phenomenon leads to many devastating results but can be combated in several ways.One way to combat cyberbullying is to continuously promote the idea of positive digital citizenship. Posting positive messages instead of negative ones can boost morale.
Additionally, parents can spot signs of cyberbullying and put a stop to it before going too far. If their child or teen noticeably decreases their device use, shuts down social media sites, or withdraws from social situations, it may be time to step in. Parents should talk to their children or teenagers about their concerns, document harmful comments or posts, and report them to social media sites or to a school.
Stereotyping
Harvard University rescinded a student’s admission.
The concept of stereotyping goes hand-in-hand with cyberbullying. A bully might stereotype an individual or group of individuals based on race or gender. They may proceed to post negative comments or posts on this group. In fact, just recently, a controversy ignited in the political realm on racist comments made by a high school student from Parkland, Florida. This student, a survivor of the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, grew to prominence as a conservative activist to improve school safety measures. The student repeatedly used the n-word in private chats and Google documents used for academic purposes. When the news came to light, the student was forced to apologized publicly on Twitter, but this came with a major cost: his admission to Harvard was rescinded. There were many responses to this ordeal, but the common consensus was that Harvard worked proactively and swiftly in rescinding the student’s admission. Don’t let this be you!
Consequences of negative digital citizenship
This event demonstrates the drastic consequences put into effect when a teenager engages in negative digital citizenship. Although a major case, it brought forth new perspectives and rules for staying safe online. Further outcomes could include arresting an individual for cyberbullying or imposing a fine. In cases such as the student from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, it might be rescinding an admission or removing a student from a school. This controversy will negatively affect the rest of that student’s life, as well as anyone who chooses to engage in negative digital citizenship. He will have a very difficult time running for office, if he chooses, and has unlikely chances of getting a job.
With one negative comment or social media post, a teen might be in big trouble. Parents would have to witness the consequences of their child’s actions and feel immense pain. Additionally, as someone who knows mutual friends of that student, I saw first hand how friendships were affected and how many students were left surprised and disappointed by the controversy’s outcome. Maintaining a positive image online is crucial to ensure the safety of your child or teenager when using social media. Positive digital citizenship will set a teenager on the path to success in the future.
To get more familiarized with safe social networking and the concept of digital citizenship, 24/7 Learning Academy offers an extensive course covering these topics and more. Check out this course to learn how social media can remain a safe outlet for children and teens.