How could we exist without the Internet? That's how most of
us keep in touch with friends, find homework support, research a
cool place to visit, or find out the latest news. But besides
the millions of sites to visit and things to do, the Internet
offers lots of ways to waste time - and even get into
trouble. And just as in the non-cyber world, some people you
encounter online might try to take advantage of you -
financially or physically.
You've probably heard stories about people who get into
trouble in chat rooms. Because users can easily remain anonymous,
chat rooms often attract people who are interested in more than
just chatting. They'll sometimes ask visitors for information
about themselves, their families, or where they live - information
that shouldn't be given away.
Usually, the people who request personal information like home
addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses use this information
to fill mailboxes and answering machines with advertisements. In
some cases, though, predators may use this information to begin
illegal or indecent relationships or to harm a person's or
family's well-being.
Of course, the Internet is home to millions of places you can
and should visit. Like an infinite library, the Web can take you to
the ends of the earth with the information it contains.
You can use it to do research for school, find out what movie is
playing near you (and whether people like it), check out a
college
you're thinking about, or find a job or volunteer opportunity.
Almost anything you can think of has a website (or a thousand of
them) about it. And it's not just websites - blogs, videos, and
downloadable games await to connect you with other user and
players.
The key is to protect yourself while online.
Smart Surfing
First rule of smart surfing? Remain as anonymous as possible.
That means keeping
all
private information private. Here are some examples of private
information that you should never give out on the Internet:
- full name
- home address
- phone number
- Social Security number
- passwords
- names of family members
- credit card numbers
Most credible people and companies will never ask for this type
of information online. So if someone does, it's a red flag that
they may be up to no good.
Think carefully before you create an email address or screen
name. Web experts recommend that you use a combination of letters
and numbers in both - and that you don't identify whether
you're male or female.
In chat rooms, use a nickname that's different from your
screen name. That way, if you ever find yourself in a conversation
that makes you uncomfortable, you can exit without having to worry
that someone knows your screen name and can track you down via
email. Some people who hang out with their friends online set up
private chat rooms where only they and the people they invite can
enter to chat.
Experts recommend that people keep online friendships in the
virtual world. Meeting online friends face to face carries more
risks than other types of friendships because it's so easy for
people to pretend to be something they're not when you
can't see them or talk in person.
If you ever get involved in a chat room conversation that makes
you feel uncomfortable or in danger for
any
reason, exit and tell a parent or other adult right away so they
can report the incident. You can also report it to the website of
the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - they have
a form for reporting this type of incident called CyberTipline.
They will then see that the info is forwarded to law enforcement
officials for investigation.
Cyberbullying
It's not just strangers who can make you feel uncomfortable
online. Cyberbullying refers to cruel or bullying messages sent to
you online. These might be from former friends or other people you
know. They can be irritating and, in some cases, even
frightening.
If you get these bullying messages online, it's often better
to ignore them rather than answer them. Cyberbullies, just like
other bullies, may be angry or disturbed people - and may be
looking for attention or a reaction.
Fortunately, most people never experience cyberbullying. But if
you're getting cyberbullied and ignoring it doesn't make it
go away, getting help from a parent, school counselor, or another
trusted adult may be a good idea. That's especially true if the
cyberbullying contains threats.
Online Annoyances
Although email is relatively private, hackers can still access
it - or add you to their spam lists. Spam, like advertisements or
harassing or offensive notes, is annoying. But spam blockers can
keep your mailbox from getting clogged. Many service providers will
help you block out or screen inappropriate emails if your parents
agree to set up age-appropriate parental controls.
If you don't recognize the sender of a document or file that
needs to be downloaded, delete it without opening it to avoid
getting a virus on your machine. Virus protection software is a
must for every computer. And you can also buy software that helps
rid your computer of unwanted spyware programs that report what
your computer is doing. Some service providers make software
available to protect you from these and other online annoyances,
such as blockers for those in-your-face pop-up ads.
If you do invest in protective software, you'll need to keep
it updated to be sure it continues to do its job as new
technologies evolve.
With all the problems you can face online, is it worth it? For
most people, the answer is definitely yes. You just need to know
where the pitfalls are, use some common sense and caution, and
you'll be in control.
Reviewed by:
Neil Izenberg, MD
Date reviewed: August 2006
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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