THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK =)

Think Before You Click

  

Everything seems to be just a click away these days. Our daily activities are not anymore limited to interpersonal interactions. It has gone beyond the cyber world.

There are various means in which we can express ourselves in which social networking is only one of the most popular way of communicating with people anywhere in the globe. There is no doubt that it gives much power to the social media. And we, as netizens and Facebook and Tweeter users are a force to be reckoned with.  This power puts a great responsibility on our shoulders.

This blog entry “Think Before You Click” aims to promote social responsibility among my fellow students and online users. The idea here is so simple, to think before clicking away when posting a tweet, a new Facebook status, or tag photos. Think about the possible effects and repercussions of what we are about to post. Will it potentially hurt someone else’s feelings? Or would it hurt someone who I care about or someone who cares about me? We have to take in mind that we should be responsible for whatever we post online.

Be Responsible Netizens

Share, like and post responsibly.  Anything you post will reflect what kind of person you are. For example, putting up a profile picture in your account which shows anything that is way below a “properly dressed” gesture would reflect your “trashy side”.  If you want people to think of you as a well-mannered person, you’d probably want to put clothes on and avoid putting up unnecessary pictures of events that would encourage a malicious mind.

When joining random networking sites, it is best that you keep your identity anonymous for your safety. NEVER give out personal details such as your last name, phone number, address, email or any other types of identifying information. People may lie about their identity. Be careful of interactions with strangers. Do not engage in any conversations or activities that make you uncomfortable. 

Cyber-bullying is a Crime

Cyberbullying is a direct attack to anyone through hurtful messages and other internet entries sent directly to the target.  Not only limited to direct actions, it is done by using a proxy such as using another person to help in bullying the victim, either with or without the knowledge of the accomplice.  It is a painful process for its victims. When a person is cyberbullied, they get the feeling that they don’t have anymore reasons to live their lives. There are worst cases that cyberbullying results to suicide of the victims.  Cyberbullying is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed by all online users.  Being careful and considerate about our posts and actions online will help lessen the increasing number of cyber-bullies.  Being a responsible user is one way to stand up against cyberbullying.

Cybercrime Law

Republic Act No.10175 also known as Cyber crime Prevention Act of the Philippines was passed September last year to address legal issues concerning online activities.  Offenses included in this bill include identity theft and illegal access to data.  Therefore it is not a small offence when we create bogus accounts for purposes of deceiving people, even our friends.  This “Think Before You Click” propaganda is one of the simplest and effective way of educating us to be responsible online citizens and internet user.  If you don’t want to be questioned by the law or worst be penalized for any illegal action, YOU SHOULD REALLY THINK HARD.