How to Explore the Internet (Responsibly)
Why Do We Need the Web?
Before I begin this post, let me take you back to the 1980s. Back then, mail could take a while to travel, even over short distances. To address this issue, the government sought ways to send information quickly between researchers. This led to the creation of ARPANET and the TCP/IP standard on January 1, 1983, with the help of programmers and scientists. These early networks allowed government researchers to share their data. One thing led to another, and by April 30, 1993, the internet was made publicly available to connect people and support its growth. Soon after, the first websites and blogs were created, marking the dawn of early social media. As time went on, websites began hosting accounts that allowed people to interact with others on the internet. These “chat room” sites were revolutionary, connecting people from all over the world. While the internet was slow and buggy at the time, its mere functionality felt like a miracle.
Today, the internet has grown into something vast and almost overwhelming. Some people even argue that it has become too large. According to recent data, "5.35 billion people are using the internet in 2024, which accounts for 66.2 percent of the world's total population. Internet users have grown by 1.8 percent over the past year, with 97 million new users coming online for the first time in 2023." With more than 60% of the global population now online, the internet has become a central hub of human connection. At the time of writing, the global population is approximately 8.19 billion, which means nearly 4.91 billion people use the internet!
However, despite the widespread use of the internet, not everyone knows how to use it responsibly. This is a significant issue, especially when more than half of the world is online, and not everyone has good intentions. This post aims to guide you in using the internet safely, avoiding distractions, and using it in ways that positively impact others.
Step 1. Safe Surfing
Let me ask you something: what's the first thing you do when you go online? Most people start by using a search engine to look up information or visit a website. Search engines allow you to navigate the web and often keep track of your saved accounts. However, one issue with web browsers is that they can take you anywhere on the internet, meaning you might accidentally stumble upon something you didn’t want to see. Fortunately, you can change your settings to avoid these risks.
By going to your settings and selecting "Search Settings," you can enable "Safe Search." This feature blocks unsafe websites and content that might harm your device. But here’s the thing—many people stop there, thinking they’ve done all they need to do. In reality, there’s more to online safety than just flipping a switch. For instance, while Safe Search prevents you from accessing inappropriate sites, it won’t protect you from scams or websites that could give you a virus. To help you stay safe, I’ve compiled a list of things to avoid when surfing the internet:
Avoid outdated websites: These are common targets for hackers looking to plant viruses or Trojan horses.
Be cautious with websites posing as official companies: Check the URL to confirm whether the website is legitimate. Scammers often create fake sites to trick people into revealing personal information.
Be wary of links in video comments: Sometimes, video creators post links in the comments, but before clicking, always check the account. If it’s not the official creator’s account, it could be someone trying to scam you. This also applies to social media posts with links.
Be cautious with emails: Always ignore, delete, or block any spam messages. Some spam can carry viruses, while others may be phishing attempts. Take time to review emails before deciding what to do.
By following these guidelines, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience online.
Step 2. Treat Others, How You want to be Treated
The next thing to keep in mind when using the internet is that you will encounter people from all over the world, some of whom you might not agree with. The internet connects us to diverse communities, and while that’s mostly a positive thing, it can also introduce challenges. You might come across people who disagree with you or attempt to provoke you. While not everyone you meet online will be negative, it's important to be prepared for differing opinions.
Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Respect differing opinions: Just because someone disagrees with you doesn’t mean they are a bad person. If you take the time to listen, you might even learn something new.
Be mindful of sensitive topics: Before engaging in a conversation, consider the person’s beliefs and what they may be sensitive about.
Handling online harassment: Sometimes, people online will try to bully or harass others for attention. It’s best to ignore them, but if they continue, it’s important to report the situation to an administrator or use the platform’s reporting features.
Help those in need: There are people on the internet who may need help. If you have the knowledge to solve their problem, consider offering assistance. Helping others can create a more supportive online community.
By following these guidelines, you can help foster a respectful and kind online environment.
Step 3. How to “Connect” with People
See what I did there with the title? Yeah, I know—it’s a bit corny.
Now that you know how to treat people and surf the web responsibly, let's talk about how to interact with others online. Communicating with others on the internet can be tricky. It's important to be mindful of your tone and the words you use to avoid accidentally offending someone. Keep in mind that your "digital footprint" means that anything you say or do online can be recorded and sometimes reviewed.
As I mentioned in Step 2, "Treat others how you want to be treated." There are many ways to connect with people online: through games, chat rooms, social media, and more. This allows you to express yourself and build relationships in ways my younger self could never have imagined. However, with this freedom comes responsibility. Anything you post online can be traced back to you, so it’s crucial to be polite and thoughtful in your interactions.
Instead of posting harmful or offensive content, consider creating positive or helpful content that could benefit others. Positive media can inspire future generations and leave a lasting impact. So, remember to be mindful of your actions online because they can affect others in ways you might not anticipate.
Step 4. Spread the Word
The internet isn’t just a place for socializing—it’s also a powerful tool for helping your community. Let’s imagine that your town is holding a fundraiser to provide psychological care for war veterans. However, the fundraiser isn't getting the attention it needs. If you decide to share the cause on Facebook to raise awareness, that exposure could make a huge difference.
While exposure sometimes gets a bad reputation, it can be a powerful tool. It helps businesses grow, brings attention to important causes, and spreads awareness about issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
At MLK-365, we’ve used social media to spread awareness about events in our community, and now I’m using the internet to raise awareness about this topic! The point is that when you have a platform, you should use it responsibly. The saying “With great power comes great responsibility” applies to the internet. Thanks to the web, everyone has a voice—and with that voice comes the responsibility to use it wisely.
In conclusion, using the internet can sometimes feel overwhelming, like venturing into a deep, dark cave with no light. However, I hope this post has helped illuminate the path forward and shown you how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly. As you use the internet, remember to treat others with respect, be mindful of what you post, and use your voice to raise awareness for important causes.
And, most importantly, if you have a voice—use it.
