essay about being responsible user of media

Essay on Responsible Use Of Social Media For Students

Students are often asked to write an essay on Responsible Use Of Social Media For Students in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Responsible Use Of Social Media For Students

Introduction.

Social media is like a big city where we can meet friends, learn new things, and share ideas. But just like a big city, it can also have some risks. So, it’s important for students to use social media responsibly.

Understanding Privacy

Privacy is like a fence that keeps our personal stuff safe. On social media, we must set this fence high. This means not sharing things like our address, school name, or phone number. We should also keep our accounts private and only accept friend requests from people we know.

Respecting Others

Social media is a place where we should treat others kindly, just like in real life. We should not post mean comments or share embarrassing photos of others. If we see someone being bullied, we should tell an adult.

Limiting Screen Time

Just like we shouldn’t eat too much candy, we should also limit our time on social media. Spending too much time can distract us from our studies and outdoor play. Setting a time limit can help us balance our day.

Using social media responsibly means protecting our privacy, respecting others, and limiting our screen time. By doing these things, we can enjoy social media safely and use it to learn and grow.

250 Words Essay on Responsible Use Of Social Media For Students

Social media is a powerful tool that connects people across the world. It is a fun way to share ideas, make friends, and learn new things. But, just like any tool, it should be used responsibly. This is especially true for students.

Use Time Wisely

One of the key parts of using social media responsibly is time management. Students should not spend too much time on social media. It can distract from school work and other important tasks. Setting a time limit for daily social media use can help students stay focused.

Privacy Matters

Privacy is another important aspect. Students should be careful about what they share online. Personal information, like home addresses or phone numbers, should never be posted on social media. It’s also a good idea to use privacy settings to control who can see what you post.

Be Kind Online

Being kind and respectful online is just as important as being kind in person. Students should avoid posting mean or hurtful comments. If someone is being unkind, it’s best to ignore them or report the behavior to an adult.

Lastly, students should be aware that not everything they see on social media is true. It’s important to check facts before believing or sharing information. This helps prevent the spread of false news or rumors.

In conclusion, using social media responsibly means managing time well, protecting privacy, being kind, and checking facts. By doing these things, students can enjoy social media safely and responsibly.

500 Words Essay on Responsible Use Of Social Media For Students

Social media is like a big meeting place where people from all over the world gather to share ideas, thoughts, and experiences. It’s a place where students can learn new things, make friends, and express themselves. But, like any other place, it has rules that people need to follow to keep it safe and enjoyable for everyone. This essay will discuss the responsible use of social media for students.

Understanding Social Media

Social media includes websites and apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. These platforms let us post pictures, videos, and text for others to see. We can also comment on other people’s posts and have conversations with them. It’s a fun and easy way to connect with friends and family, even if they live far away. But, we need to be careful about how we use it.

Safe Sharing

Sharing is a big part of social media. We share our thoughts, our feelings, and our experiences. But not everything is meant to be shared. Some things are private and should stay that way. For example, it’s not a good idea to share your home address, phone number, or other personal information. This can put you at risk. Also, think before you share pictures or videos. Once something is on the internet, it’s hard to take it back. So, make sure it’s something you’re okay with everyone seeing.

Respectful Communication

Social media is a place for conversation. It’s important to remember that the people you’re talking to are real people, even if you can’t see them. That means we should treat them with respect, just like we would in person. Don’t say things that are mean or hurtful. If someone else is being disrespectful, it’s okay to report them or block them. You don’t have to put up with bad behavior.

Time Management

Social media can be a lot of fun, but it can also take up a lot of time. It’s easy to lose track of time when we’re scrolling through posts or chatting with friends. But there are other important things in life too, like schoolwork, hobbies, and spending time with family. It’s important to find a balance. Set limits for how much time you spend on social media each day. And make sure to take breaks. Your eyes and your brain will thank you.

Using social media responsibly means being safe, respectful, and mindful of our time. It’s about understanding the power of our words and actions online. It’s about making good choices and standing up for what’s right. So, let’s use social media in a way that makes the world a better place, not just for us, but for everyone.

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People’s Responsibility in the Social Media World and Its Effects on the Reputation Research Paper

Risks associated with using social media, practices of good use of social media.

Social media has developed to become one of the largest and popular platforms in the cyber world. However, this rapid growth has brought many challenges on the use of the social media platforms. This is because social media portrays users and their characters over the internet.

This allows for sharing of many aspects of their lives appropriate, offensive, tormenting and useful. Through social media, there is sharing of messages, photos, videos and documents easily. Technology is indispensable with easy access to internet enabled mobile phones, digital cameras, smart phones and web enabled video cameras used in everyday life. With the sharing of such personal information on the internet, various vulnerabilities to reputation are inevitable.

Technology has greatly advanced with the possibility of people creating and modifying tasteless images and videos online using easily available software. Employers can also obtain personal information by doing profile search on employee profiles for recruitment purposes. This can be damaging to employee-employer relations and life at large. Content posted online is permanent since it is available for reference.

Social media offers a dangerous platform where people can create false profiles and enter chat rooms with unreal names. It is important to think before making commitments to the online associations and relationships or posting images, videos and content. Some aspects of private life need to be kept confidential, not for the whole world to know through social media platforms. The available social media platforms include Face-book, twitter, MySpace, meet-up, LinkedIn, Google Plus, Instagram and Flickr.

We are responsible on social media for whatever content we decide to share irrespective of the perspective. Hiding or using a wrong identity does not help since the computer or web enabled device has a unique ID that identifies it online. Authorities can be able to trace the source and origins of the material posted online and hold them accountable. Social media are vital in peoples lives as they use it for business, hating on others, bullying, offend others, network and share information.

The way people interact, communicate, do business and learn has undergone a revolution by social media. This presents risks in security, privacy, legal, intellectual property, and employment practices (Merril & Latham, 2011). The risks can be classified as reputational, operational and legal.

Reputation: The risks associated with the reputation on social media equal or surpass the benefits because social media spans millions of users globally thus offering an uncharted risk. Spreading of wrong and damaging information on social media can lead to expensive damage control procedures which may not be successful.

An example is the case of Sarah Jones, the former Bengals cheerleader. The dirty dot com website posted false information about Jones alleging that she had sex with each Bengals player. It further alleged that she had sexually transmitted infections. The author of the website acted in malice and irresponsible disregard.

Another example is a prank video of a tainted sandwich posted by employees of a pizza delivery on YouTube. The video drew a lot of interest online and the reputation of the pizza delivery store dented to negative. The CEO had to address the issue on YouTube, but the damage was inevitable since searches for the pizza online returned the funny video. Posting such false, embarrassing and defamatory information damages the reputation of the individual or institution involved.

Employment risks: Companies and recruitment firms use social media to collect information about employees and potential recruits (Stenzel& Nesdahl, 2011). Online information guides decisions about hiring by managers. Offences committed on social media by people inform decisions about them. Companies allowing employees to use social media tend to monitor their online activities.

Security risks: There are potential security risks posed by social media platforms and their activities. Malware, spyware and viruses, can be downloaded to the computer or web enabled device from social sites. Phishing and click-jacking can also occur on social websites. Furthermore, sharing of personal and credit card information can lead to fraud in terms of identity theft.

The security of minors using social websites is also at stake because pedophiles use such platforms to lure unsuspecting users using fake profiles. There is the acquisition of personal information like usernames, passwords and bank information through spoofed websites.

Intellectual property risk: Information and media exchanged on social media may have intellectual property predicament. This is because such information may belong to others or a company hence subject to copyright and other contractual obligations. Access and sharing of such information is illegal and restricted.

Privacy risk: With the ability to interact with virtually the whole world online, privacy is a big challenge (Stenzel& Nesdahl, 2011). This is because shared content, images, materials and videos can be accessed almost by everyone. Most people ignore privacy while using social media. A survey on teens using social media indicated that most of them were not even aware of the privacy options setting.

Graph search available on most social media platforms allows users, and advertisers to search personal information shared online. There are three main security categories on internet privacy. The first one is public where shared information is accessible to anyone and searchable via search engines.

Followers and friends only allow access of personal information by approved friends and followers. Locked shuts down all privacy settings and express authorization have to be sought case by case by each user. It is imperative to observe the terms of service and familiarize with privacy settings of the social platform.

Building a good reputation is through good deeds and can vanish with only one negative action. The speed at which content can spread on social media further complicates this. With the possibility to capture screenshots, copy paste and other editing provisions, an errant private post easily becomes public. Knowing how to protect the privacy on social media is vital and can be achieved by practicing the following good practices.

Avoid posting any content that may be inappropriate for your mother to view. Parents are more conservative on their family values and ethics (Merrill, 2013). The parental love decreases with mistakes like an errant and offending post that may have unending effects.

Restrain from posting content that may be unsuitable for your employer or prospective employer to view. Envision a situation where there is the presentation of your online portfolio in an interview. Since employers and future employers’ access social media, it is fundamental to evaluate every online posting.

Clearly identify your weak and danger zones. If there is a temperamental problem, it is good to make decisions early and decide on handling each situation. Avoid posting content while high on emotions like anger, ecstatic, boredom, sad or happy since such states have chemical inhibitors blocking rational thinking.

Confirm every message and content before sending and avoid reading negative content as it may trigger posting of negative content. Avoid creating profiles on websites that host negative material as any content on these sites is searchable.

Practice staying off social media during periods when tired, bored or time for performing other tasks. Avoid living at the mercy of social media and the web enabled devices. Ensure to log out of social media accounts before leaving the computer or cyber.

Theories on responsible use of social media

There is research on responsible use of social media. These theories tend to assess the effects of social media on groups, individual and companies (Joosten, 2012). Social media had revolutionized the way of doing business and marketing by providing networking and advertising avenues. The social responsibility theory provides for free press with no censorship while at the same time subject the content to media obligation. The theory lies between libertarian and authoritarian tendencies as it grants media freedom on one side and external regulations and controls on the other (Siebert, Schramm & Peterson, 1984).

Always be safe and cautious while using social media to avoid posting something that can your reputation, privacy and name Encountering a wrong group or influence online may affect ones reputation. The internet and social media can either build your reputation or break it (Joosten, 2012).

Being responsible in postings upholds credibility thus evaluate and assess the content, videos, photos and text before posting. Edited videos and Photo-shopped items can damage credibility especially for the person in the images or video. Responsible social media training is necessary since most crises result from inappropriate responses, bad content, slow response, irresponsible procedures and lack of verification.

Joosten, T. (2012). Social media for educators: Strategies and best practices . San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Merril T. & Latham K, (2011), The Business Benefits May Be Enormous, But Can the Risks –Reputational, Legal, Operational –Be Mitigated? Web.

Merrill, S. (2013). The passionate mom: Dare to parent in today’s world . Nashville, Tenn: Thomas Nelson.

Siebert, F. S., Schramm, W., & Peterson, T. (1984). Four theories of the press: The authoritarian, libertarian, social responsibility, and Soviet communist concepts of what the press should be and do . Urbana: University of Illinois Press.

Stenzel, P., & Nesdahl, M. (2011). Who’s in your social network?: Understanding the risks associated with modern media and social networking and how it can impact your character and relationships . Ventura, Calif: Regal.

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1. IvyPanda . "People’s Responsibility in the Social Media World and Its Effects on the Reputation." December 22, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/peoples-responsibility-in-the-social-media-world-and-its-effects-on-the-reputation/.

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Social Media

Social Media/Media Literacy: Responsible Use

Here are some ways you can support the youth in your life to engage in responsible social media use:.

• Help youth to build up empathy and perspective-taking skills both offline and online. This can empower them to practice good decision-making online, for example taking time to consider how something they post online might be hurtful, respectfully sharing a difference of opinion in a comment, etc.

Talk about safety and privacy online, and ways that youth can protect themselves

• Privacy, including their social media account settings, as well as their process for who gets access to their page/who doesn’t. Have conversations about what their process is for accepting/not accepting friend requests, etc. These explicit conversations can increase awareness about the importance of privacy, and also support/strengthen good decision-making.
• They can always block/unfriend, and also report, individuals who make you uncomfortable.  For example, individuals who make inappropriate sexual comments, are aggressive, or bullying them.
• Be mindful of what they share in terms of personal information (e.g., sensitive information that if on a piece of paper you lost offline you would be concerned about someone else finding). Also, excessively sharing things like location tags, especially for places like your house, places you frequent often, etc.)
• The permanence of a social media/internet record. While things can be deleted, once posted, there are ways for comments, images, etc. that we post to follow us in the long-term. Once posted, we have no control over where they may end up. For example, sexually explicit images/videos, harassing comments, compromising information about yourself or another person, etc., have consequences socially, legally, etc.
• Taking online relationships with individuals that they don’t know offline. While most youth are not interacting with individuals they don’t know offline (e.g., research suggests that most youth use social media to keep up with friendships/relationships that exist offline), sometimes, youth connect with peers on social media who share similar interests (e.g., gaming community, etc.). An adult needs to be involved if these relationships are taken offline to ensure safety.

Encourage balanced use of social media:

• Support practices of “unplugging”, “digital detox”,  or taking time away from social media where you don’t access any social media. For example evening hours/bedtime, as well as periodic “unplugging” for longer durations (e.g., weekends or a certain number of days).
• Help youth to have greater awareness and control of their social media consumption. For example, removing social media apps from your smartphone and only accessing them from a computer can help with regulating access because it’s often not as easily accessible as refreshing on your smartphone. There are also apps available that help with managing time limits regarding social media access.

Encourage youth to maintain offline relationships.

Support self-esteem nurtured through offline activities and interests., be aware of cyberbullying and some of the potential signs of who might be bullying or getting bullied online including sudden changes in their use of social media., encourage positive aspects of social media such as connecting with like-minded peers around a special/niche interest, open up conversations about challenges with use, cyberbullying, etc. that may be coming., what not to do.

• Follow youth online without their consent/knowledge. For instance, if youth has social media page/account that is public (i.e., doesn’t require a “request” before people can view content), don’t spend time on their page/account without letting them know. Doing so creates situations where you might learn something about them that they were not ready to share with you, or it creates a monitoring/prying/trust issue that may weaken your relationship.
• Agree to connect with youth via social media without consideration of what your page/account and activity on social media look like. While some social media allows for settings where you can filter your page out by group so that certain people only see certain content on your page or to share content with subsets of people, it’s important to consider what type of image you’re presenting online.
• Share pictures/videos, etc. of youth or other identifying content on your social media without getting their consent (along with parent/guardian).
• Model how not to get caught up in excessive social media use or constant checking when spending time with them.
• Dismiss or minimize concerns they raise about experiences on social media, no matter how benign the concerns may seem. Instances of cyberbullying may start off with something that appears minor before escalating.

Where to get help

The bigger picture.

24% of teens go online “almost constantly,” facilitated by the widespread availability of smartphones.

Aided by the convenience and constant access provided by mobile devices, especially smartphones, 92% of teens report going online daily — including 24% who say they go online “almost constantly,” according to a new study from Pew Research Center. More than half (56%) of teens — defined in this report as those ages 13 to 17 — go online several times a day, and 12% report once-a-day use. Just 6% of teens report going online weekly, and 2% go online less often.

Much of this frenzy of access is facilitated by mobile devices. Nearly three-quarters of teens have or have access to a smartphone and 30% have a basic phone, while just 12% of teens 13 to 17 say they have no cell phone of any type. African-American teens are the most likely of any group of teens to have a smartphone, with 85% having access to one, compared with 71% of both white and Hispanic teens. These phones and other mobile devices have become a primary driver of teen internet use: Fully 91% of teens go online from mobile devices at least occasionally. Among these “mobile teens,” 94% go online daily or more often. By comparison, teens who don’t access the internet via mobile devices tend to go online less frequently. Some 68% go online at least daily.

African-American and Hispanic youth report more frequent internet use than white teens. Among African-American teens, 34% report going online “almost constantly” as do 32% of Hispanic teens, while 19% of white teens go online that often.

From The Blog

The many benefits, comfort and ease, relationship maintenance, expanded timetable, the possible pitfalls, unrealistic expectations, inappropriate public persona.

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Media & Tech Articles & More

How to use social media wisely and mindfully, it's time to be clear about how social media affects our relationships and well-being—and what our intentions are each time we log on..

It was no one other than Facebook’s former vice president for user growth, Chamath Palihapitiya, who advised people to take a “hard break” from social media. “We have created tools that are ripping apart the social fabric of how society works,” he said recently .

His comments echoed those of Facebook founding president Sean Parker . Social media provides a “social validation feedback loop (‘a little dopamine hit…because someone liked or commented on a photo or a post’),” he said. “That’s exactly the thing a hacker like myself would come up with because you’re exploiting a vulnerability in human psychology.”

Are their fears overblown? What is social media doing to us as individuals and as a society?

Since over 70 percent of American teens and adults are on Facebook and over 1.2 billion users visit the site daily—with the average person spending over 90 minutes a day on all social media platforms combined—it’s vital that we gain wisdom about the social media genie, because it’s not going back into the bottle. Our wish to connect with others and express ourselves may indeed come with unwanted side effects.

The problems with social media

Social media is, of course, far from being all bad. There are often tangible benefits that follow from social media use. Many of us log on to social media for a sense of belonging, self-expression, curiosity, or a desire to connect. Apps like Facebook and Twitter allow us to stay in touch with geographically dispersed family and friends, communicate with like-minded others around our interests, and join with an online community to advocate for causes dear to our hearts.

Honestly sharing about ourselves online can enhance our feelings of well-being and online social support, at least in the short term. Facebook communities can help break down the stigma and negative stereotypes of illness, while social media, in general, can “serve as a spring board” for the “more reclusive…into greater social integration,” one study suggested.

But Parker and Palihapitiya are on to something when they talk about the addictive and socially corrosive qualities of social media. Facebook “addiction” (yes, there’s a test for this) looks similar on an MRI scan in some ways to substance abuse and gambling addictions. Some users even go to extremes to chase the highs of likes and followers. Twenty-six-year-old Wu Yongning recently fell to his death in pursuit of selfies precariously taken atop skyscrapers.

Facebook can also exacerbate envy . Envy is nothing if not corrosive of the social fabric, turning friendship into rivalry, hostility, and grudges. Social media tugs at us to view each other’s “highlight reels,” and all too often, we feel ourselves lacking by comparison. This can fuel personal growth, if we can turn envy into admiration, inspiration, and self-compassion ; but, instead, it often causes us to feel dissatisfied with ourselves and others.

For example, a 2013 study by Ethan Kross and colleagues showed quite definitively that the more time young adults spent on Facebook, the worse off they felt. Participants were texted five times daily for two weeks to answer questions about their well-being, direct social contact, and Facebook use. The people who spent more time on Facebook felt significantly worse later on, even after controlling for other factors such as depression and loneliness. 

Interestingly, those spending significant time on Facebook, but also engaging in moderate or high levels of direct social contact, still reported worsening well-being. The authors hypothesized that the comparisons and negative emotions triggered by Facebook were carried into real-world contact, perhaps damaging the healing power of in-person relationships.

More recently, Holly Shakya and Nicholas Christakis studied 5,208 adult Facebook users over two years, measuring life satisfaction and mental and physical health over time. All these outcomes were worse with greater Facebook use, and the way people used Facebook (e.g., passive or active use, liking, clicking, or posting) didn’t seem to matter.

“Exposure to the carefully curated images from others’ lives leads to negative self-comparison, and the sheer quantity of social media interaction may detract from more meaningful real-life experiences,” the researchers concluded.

How to rein in social media overuse

So, what can we do to manage the downsides of social media? One idea is to log out of Facebook completely and take that “hard break.” Researcher Morten Tromholt of Denmark found that after taking a one-week break from Facebook, people had higher life satisfaction and positive emotions compared to people who stayed connected. The effect was especially pronounced for “heavy Facebook users, passive Facebook users, and users who tend to envy others on Facebook.”

We can also become more mindful and curious about social media’s effects on our minds and hearts, weighing the good and bad. We should ask ourselves how social media makes us feel and behave, and decide whether we need to limit our exposure to social media altogether (by logging out or deactivating our accounts) or simply modify our social media environment. Some people I’ve spoken with find ways of cleaning up their newsfeeds—from hiding everyone but their closest friends to “liking” only reputable news, information, and entertainment sources.

Knowing how social media affects our relationships, we might limit social media interactions to those that support real-world relationships. Instead of lurking or passively scrolling through a never-ending bevy of posts, we can stop to ask ourselves important questions, like What are my intentions? and What is this online realm doing to me and my relationships?

We each have to come to our own individual decisions about social media use, based on our own personal experience. Grounding ourselves in the research helps us weigh the good and bad and make those decisions. Though the genie is out of the bottle, we may find, as Shakya and Christakis put it, that “online social interactions are no substitute for the real thing,” and that in-person, healthy relationships are vital to society and our own individual well-being. We would do well to remember that truth and not put all our eggs in the social media basket.

About the Author

Ravi Chandra

Ravi Chandra is a psychiatrist, writer, and compassion educator in San Francisco, and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Here’s his linktree .

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Articles & Advice > Student Life > Blog

How to Be Responsible Using Social Media as a Student

We all use social media every day and have a level of responsibility as users. Here's some advice for students to learn responsible social media practices.

by Sydney Mathew CollegeXpress Student Writer

Last Updated: Nov 9, 2023

Originally Posted: May 14, 2022

Social media is a tool that has many advantages, allowing you to directly communicate with a large audience, be a member of an ever-present online community, stay connected with friends and family, develop your interests, meet new people, and explore your own identity and opinions. However, if not used safely and responsibly, social media has many disadvantages—and potential consequences. That’s why you should keep these important rules in mind as you navigate your way through the world of social media.

Make sure your pages represent you

Think of social media as a résumé of your character. Do your pages and profiles showcase your passions, hobbies, and friends? Many peers or those you may network with will use social media to get to know you better, so you want to make sure your presence is an accurate representation of yourself. Don’t be overly fake, lie about yourself, or share things that don’t represent your beliefs—this isn’t a true representation of you. 

Never post anything that paints you in a bad light

This is arguably one of the most important social media tips: Don’t post anything that can be used as evidence of unlawful activity. This can lead to you getting in serious trouble with your current or future school and the police. An easy rule is to imagine what a parent, employer, teacher, or grandparent would think about what you’re about to post. Even if you post as “private,” it’s important to remember that nothing is really private in our online world—things can be screenshot and shared in an instant.  

Related: How to Prepare Your Social Media for the Job Search

Stay in control of your content feed

Unfollow and stay away from other social accounts that spread false news, bully others, post insensitive content, or make you feel bad about yourself. Take charge of the media that you are taking in. You want to use social media to uplift your life, stay informed, and connect with your friends. Only follow accounts that are a safe space and promote your growth as an individual. 

Manage your time wisely

The digital world is an easy place to get lost in. Be mindful of how long you’re simply scrolling, especially if you’re not actually getting anything out of it. Set limits on how long you should be on social media apps. Turn off your notifications so it’s less distracting when you have things to get done. Your apps shouldn’t become a roadblock preventing you from completing your daily tasks. This tip is important since it’s so easy to get sucked into TikTok video after TikTok video. 

Related: How to Manage Your Time Intentionally as a Student

Understand the policies

Many schools and workplaces have policies about social media usage. It’s important to understand and adhere to the rules of your institution. Also, be sure to follow the rules of the specific social media platform you’re using. As you’re setting up your account, read through everything (yes, even the fine print) so you understand what rules you need to follow and what you’re consenting to. Go through the privacy settings and change the default setting to something more applicable to you. Also, try to avoid third-party applications. These are often unreliable and are simply used to gather your personal information. 

Keep yourself safe from strangers

Be wary and cautious when following or interacting with people you don’t know on the internet. Even if their profile is friendly or they’re a well-known person on the platform, you don’t know who is truly behind the screen. When conversing with “friends” online, don’t expose any private information. Never meet with a new online friend in person; chances are they are not who they say they are. And don’t respond to any of their requests you’re not comfortable with. 

Related: How to Stay Safe on Your College Campus

Don’t post everything

Do not post about your every move, location, school, town, etc. This information can be used against you. It’s important to maintain a level of privacy between you, your followers, and the digital world. Being careful about what you post and who you interact with keeps you safe from identity theft, privacy infiltration, stalking, and more. The best thing you can do is to keep your accounts private and only let people you know follow you. 

Keep your parents in the loop

Although most of us don’t want our parents seeing everything we’re doing, friend your parents on social media. This will hold you accountable for the content you post and interact with. Plus, having an adult perspective is beneficial as you make decisions about your social media usage. Additionally, this will keep you safer as well as strengthen your relationship and trust with your parents. 

Related: Top 8 College Topics to Discuss With Your Student Today

Social media is an integral part of the average teenager’s daily life. With the endless communication, entertainment, and information these platforms provide, it’s very hard to disconnect from the online world. When using social media, it’s important to remember what Spider-Man taught us: With great power comes great responsibility. With the digital world at your fingertips, it’s vital that you follow these rules to remain safe. 

Check out the tag “social media” to read more articles and advice on networking, smart online behavior, and more.

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Sydney Ann Mathew is a student at Shadow Creek High School in Texas. She’s an academically successful student, participating and holding office positions in a variety of organizations and clubs. At the age of nine, Sydney won first place in a city-wide invention competition. Her invention currently has a “patent pending” status and is in the process of being approved. Sydney enjoys attending church and singing in the youth choir. She volunteers in her local neighborhood community and was instrumental in starting a chapter of Color Cycle, a national recycling initiative, at her elementary school. In her spare time, Sydney enjoys spending time with family and friends, dancing, and playing basketball, volleyball, and the piano. She also writes and uses poetry to convey her emotions and feelings. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in business.

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25 Easy Tips for Using Social Media Responsibly

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This is great info, thanks for giving me some ideas on how to start a dialogue with my teen!

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Josh's presentation about social media was unbelievably fantastic. Our students learned so much about what kids should and shouldn't be doing. The fact that it is such a thoughtful process made it all worthwhile.

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Educator Webinar Attendee

This webinar is a very helpful eye-opener on the apps that are popular with my students.

Horror stories about teens and social media often include some serious consequences, like missed job opportunities or college rejections. But if students learn to use social media responsibly and in a safe way, it can have some big benefits by helping them connect, share, and learn. So how do you teach your teens to be good digital citizens without lecturing them?

We asked 25 experts for tips to teach kids how to stay safe, positive , and responsible online.

1. You’re in control of your feed. Recognize what’s unhealthy and hit that unfollow button

Lisa Honold, Director of the Center for Online Safety

Remember, you’re in charge of your content. You can use social media to uplift your life, connect with friends, create content, and entertain. Or you can get used by it when it sucks you in, and then you feel bad afterward. It’s healthy to manage your feed and unfollow/delete accounts that are consistently false news, negative, mean, rude, or bullying. If you notice you feel anxious or irritated after spending time on a certain app or account, that’s your body’s signal that you should spend less time there. It’s not healthy.

After all, the app’s goal is to hook you and make you want to spend more time there. They do that by suggesting the next video or account to follow, through pop up notifications and sounds, through bright colors and buttons. And it’s not just you, teens, who are struggling. Adults have a hard time too. Ideally, you could have an open conversation with your parents about your family using social media more mindfully.

2. Find a purpose to your screen time so that it doesn’t become a pastime

‍ Josh Ochs, Founder of SmartSocial.com

Brainstorm 2-3 things you want to be known for when people look you up online. This exercise will help you find your screen time purpose so that social media doesn’t become a pastime. Once you know what you want to be known for, it’s easier to decide whether your Instagram post or YouTube comment is going to help you achieve your goals (or hurt your digital footprint).

The majority of your social media posts should be about the 2-3 things you want to be known for. It’s okay to be silly on social media as long as you keep your posts are positive and full of gratitude.

3. Highlight your best self and turn all social media platforms into a living/breathing portfolio

Chad Dorman, Founder, Leonard Andrew Consulting

Social media is a living resume that showcases your character. The things that make you authentically YOU? Awards you’ve won? The things you are passionate about? You definitely want to make sure that these are the content pieces that you’re presenting on the Internet for all to see.

You’re already geared towards documenting just about every moment of your life on social, so don’t miss out on an opportunity to share your latest A+ paper or your creation from art class. Showcasing you who are, as well as your activities and interests, is something that colleges are looking for. Make sure to impress them! They want more than just transcripts and an academic ace – they want someone who shows passion, who is authentic, and who will contribute positively to their campus. Post positively, publish proudly!

4. With great power, comes great responsibility

‍ Meredith Essalat, Principal, Author of The Overly Honest Teacher

If students are old enough to have their own social media account, then they are old enough to understand the risks and responsibilities that come with this. I always discuss the perils and risks of social media and other online forums directly with my students. When they chose to make a TikTok at recess and film it in their school uniforms, we talked about voyeurism and the danger that comes from letting their location be known. When they goaded a group of neighboring students into fighting on campus by posting mean comments on an Instagram post, we talked about the impact of language and the ramifications that result in inciting violence.

I teach my students about the vacancy of online anonymity and being certain that the persona they are putting out on social media jives with who they are and how they want the world to know them.

5. Social media abstinence isn’t the way, planning is key

Jennifer Walden, Director of Operations, Wikilawn

As the mom of a tween, I’ve really had to strategize on the best ways to keep her safe. Just telling her she can’t use social media isn’t a solution, as much as I wish it was. It’s the primary means of communication and social validation for her age group, and when all of her friends are using it but she isn’t, that becomes an even bigger issue.

That said, I do worry not just about predators and the usual dangers, but about her posting things she shouldn’t, and the potential for her to be bullied relentlessly. She and I have discussed several instances of cyberbullying, making a plan for what to do if it ever happens to her. She knows to disengage and come talk to me or her dad. The worst thing she can do is shut herself away and let everything they’re saying just exist in an echo chamber.

6. Never post criminal activities

David Reischer, Attorney & CEO of LegalAdvice.com

The most important tip for tweens and teens when using social media is not to post anything that is evidence of unlawful activity. Tweens and teens may not have an appreciation that posting some types of content can be unlawful. Posts that are defamatory, incite violence, or include hate speech are just some examples of posts that can land a young person in trouble.

Posting criminal activities or conspiring with other social media members to riot, protest or loot can also be used as evidence against a tween or teen. A young person that is passionate about social justice or other political cause is permitted to post on social media under the First Amendment Right to Free Speech but there needs to be a consideration when a posting might cross over into a criminal act. Be careful out there on the Internet. Posting unlawful messages or evidence of unlawful conduct can land a tween or teen in hot water.

7. Research apps before you trust them

‍ Ben Taylor, Founder of Home Working Club ‍ My number one tip for parents is to research things before you trust them. The ultimate research tool is right there in your hands in the form of a web browser. That means you can check if a news report is factually correct before you share it, find out if a new app is actually out to scam you, and determine whether that fun new photo game is actually harvesting your personal details. It only takes seconds to check these things out, so don’t just use social media blindly. It doesn’t take much extra time and effort to stay much safer online.

8. Be aware of the content you’re consuming, and what that content seems to want from you

‍ Melanie Squire, Founder of and Therapist with Freedom Counseling

Social media can certainly offers numerous benefits, but as a therapist, I have more and more parents expressing concern that digital technology is affecting the emotion and social lives of their children. Most youth and young adults are quick to defend their socially networked lives, claiming that social media helps them feel more connected to their friends and provides critical support during difficult times. These benefits are why it’s so important to educate new social media users about healthy habits.

Use social media to supplement real world interests:

Do you like Hiking? Follow pages that educate you about the activity, and share information about hikes near you.

Is makeup your thing? Find how-tos that you can emulate, and use in your everyday life. Social media is about building communities of interest, but being a part of a community that encourages action of its members is better than one offering passive interactions.

Ask yourself, why do you like a page, or social community?

Do the communities you’re a part of make you want to learn more or participate offline?

Can you have non-digital conversations about these topics? Certainly some forms of social content are for entertainment or important to staying informed.

Not every interaction needs to be pushing you to take some real world action. However, it is important to be aware of the content you’re consuming, and what that content seems to want from you.

9. Focus on what you really enjoy to avoid overuse

‍ Jakub Kliszczak, Marketing Specialist at CrazyCall

Oftentimes, people have all of the available apps on their phones. Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , LinkedIn , TikTok , Snapchat , and more. This leads to a constant stream of social media binging – you start with one app to switch to another to switch to another and the cycle continues. Ask yourself what type of content do you really enjoy. Do you care about what your friends post on Facebook? Or do you prefer visual content on Instagram? Maybe you enjoy the more professional content from LinkedIn.

Answer that question and limit your usage to just one or two social media platforms. Surely, you won’t stop using social media but you’ll limit the time you spend on your phone.

10. Think twice before posting on social media

‍ Chane Steiner, CEO of Crediful

Start with a conversation and remind your students that whatever they put out there will never go away. Even if they delete it. Even if they unshare it or ask for it to be taken down. The internet moves so quickly that by the time you realize you don’t want it out there, it’s already too late. So think twice before posting something. Are you comfortable living with that choice forever?

Urge your kids to think about what the person seeing it will feel or think. Will their post start a fight? Are they hurting someone? Are they negatively impacting someone’s life? Have your students think about what it would feel like if someone did that to them. If it would make them feel bad, it’s probably not okay.

Finally, it’s important for tweens and teens to understand that they are not as anonymous as they think. The internet leaves a trail everywhere for everyone. If that makes them uncomfortable, they probably shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing.

11. Social media can showcase a student’s aptitude

Natalie Bidnick Andreas, Digital Strategy Consultant

‍ Don’t avoid having a social media footprint. Parents may “outlaw” certain platforms due to their potential to cause harm, but my research shows that not existing at all online can actually be more detrimental to a student’s future college applications and job prospects. Instead, parents should counsel their children to see social media as a public tool – their “calling card” into the world.

Platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram can showcase a student’s aptitude in sports, creative projects, travel, academic pursuits, and overall communication skills. Students can certainly still post pictures of the homecoming dance and the football game, but space should also be dedicated to their passions. It’s not about being fake – it’s more about showcasing a student’s favorite aspects of life.

If parents are apprehensive about their child’s participation in social media, I recommend working through the “front yard test” as a family. Everything posted on social media should pass the “front yard test”; that is, it should be appropriate enough to put on a large sign in the front yard or other public community space. Parents can ask their children: “How would you feel if all your future teachers and bosses saw this post on our front lawn?” If the child would feel ashamed, it’s not fit to post.

The “front yard test” exercise gets students thinking ahead to college and beyond. After all, no matter how “anonymous” they may try to be online, future schools and employers will be able to access their digital footprint. It’s up to each child and their family to plan ahead and to post accordingly.

12. Follow your children on social media

‍ Betsy Furler, Author and Speaker

‍ Responsible use of social media is critical for students today. Students need to be aware that what they post on social media may be available online forever. If they don’t want their grandparents, teachers, or future employers to see something, it shouldn’t be online.

The easiest method of staying safe and responsible online is for parents to follow their children online. This ensures oversight in case there is an issue, as well as a “check and balance” of content.

13. Go through the terms of service with your children

Amy Vernon, Adjunct Professor at New York University ‍ Parents can teach their children digital safety by going through a site’s terms of service, line-by-line, and explaining it to them. Consider reading it verbatim and then explain what each clause means. At the end, explain that if they accepted the terms, they need to abide by these rules, or their accounts could be deleted.

It makes an impression and encourages students to ask a lot of questions. Students will be much more thoughtful about how they use social media and how they behave online.

14. Logging time spent on social media can be eye opening

‍ Dr. Tim Elmore, Growing Leaders

‍ Ask to meet and talk about the influence and the hours consumed by social media. Often, logging in the hours a teen spends online can be eye-opening for them. Many spend the equivalent of a full-time job staring at a screen.

You can also do the following:

• Ask to scroll through their posts with them.
• ~~This could be awkward, but actually sit with them and look at the posts uploaded both by them and to them. Discuss what you see together.
• Interpret the tone and content of the posts and what it suggests about their character.
• ~~This may feel cheesy or cliché, but ask what someone looking at their posts might conclude if they didn’t know them.
• Discuss how employers, coaches, instructors or mentors might view their sites.
• ~~Next, talk about how students (grads) have lost their chance at a job because an employer viewed their social media posts.
• Ask them if they have ever noticed an attitude change in themselves after reading or posting on social media.
• ~~This requires transparency, but discuss how you, or they, can experience a negative attitude or impulsive reactions online.
• Suggest they follow this rule: I will only post what I want my reputation to be ten years from now.
• Finally, give them the long view: What impact does this post have or what reputation will this post give me a decade from now?

15. Start a discussion early on

Varda Meyers Epstein, Kars4Kids

‍ If you teach your teens the following points early on, they will develop responsible social media habits:

Never take over another person’s thread to drive home a point. Don’t go ad hominem when you disagree with someone; always remain respectful and calm. Thank and tag people when you share something they shared first. If you don’t have something nice to say, it’s best not to say it. Vet friend requests carefully – if you can’t see enough information to make an informed decision, it’s best to decline the request and mark it as spam. Don’t share anything you wouldn’t want your mom to see and don’t overshare.

16. Teach accountability

Tom Kersting, Valley Family Counseling

‍ It starts with parents. Parents must first ask the following question: Is my child ready for a smartphone and social media? Don’t worry if the other kids your children’s age have access to smartphones and social media. Instead focus on your intuition.

Inform your child that there will be consequences right away if there are any social media mishaps. This means taking access away and following through with the rules that were agreed upon. Accountability is the key; it’s how kids learn.

Students must be educated by the school with regards to digital citizenship and there must be consequences if rules are violated. This sends a strong message that social media must be used responsibly.

17. Encourage students to use technology meaningfully

Troy Dvorak, Psychology Professor

‍ I encourage my college students to text, tweet, and post information they learn during class when we take periodic class breaks. Teachers can create blogs and Facebook pages for their classes and offer credit to students who participate meaningfully. I also encourage students to follow people and organizations relevant to their major. The use of technology in classrooms is ubiquitous now so, rather than police it, teachers should have students make great use of it. If you keep them busy using technology for learning, they don’t have time to use it for other things during class.

18. Remind teens that nothing is private online

Dave Delaney, Futureforth

‍ First and foremost, never put anything online you don’t want your educators, future employers, peers, and parents to see. Deleted items can still live on servers. People can take screenshots of posts. Private accounts can be hacked. Nothing is 100% private online.

Students should actively grow and nurture their network on social media. Take time to get to know people and find ways to serve them.

19. Guide students on how to use social media effectively

Kristen Moon, Moon Prep

‍ The college admissions process is competitive enough; students need be cautious to not sabotage themselves. Students need to assume that any picture, post, or tweet that is posted will be seen by the admissions officer at their dream college. Teach students to only put material out there that can benefit them. Students should create a LinkedIn page that is interactive and shows pictures and videos of their accomplishments, interests, and passions. Include the LinkedIn profile URL with the college application. This is a great way for students to make their resume come to life and show how they are using social media responsively and productively.

20. Students shouldn’t count on anonymity

‍ Patrick Fogarty, Valley Stream 30

‍ As simple as it sounds, if students wouldn’t say it in person, they shouldn’t type it. Students can’t count on a veil of anonymity on Twitter or any other social network. If someone wants to find out who you are, they will. Encourage students (and everyone else) to schedule their tweets using an app like HootSuite or Buffer, so they can type out whatever they want to say, then schedule it to send in an hour or two. That way, students have plenty of time to reconsider their posts before they go public.

21. Advise students to THINK about what they are going to post

‍ Matthew Nance, Kiwanis International

‍ T – is it Truthful H – does it Help? I – does it Inspire? N – is it Nice or Necessary? K – is it Kind?

Is their post truthful? Does their post/tweet reflect the true nature of the situation? Is their post only telling one side of the story? Does the post misrepresent the situation or leave out details that matter?

Is the post helpful? Does their post/tweet help someone else understand something? Is the post helping their audience understand how they feel? Is the post helping someone get information?

Is the post inspiring? Does the post/tweet encourage and lift up others? Does the post inspire someone to take action? Does the post inspire the reader to be their best self?

Is the post nice or necessary? Does the post/tweet respect others? Is the post an opinion otherwise not being expressed? Does the post put others down? Does the post support others? Does the post serve those who are reading it?

A single tweet or post may not meet all of these criterion. For example, a student might be tweeting in support of their favorite team or wishing someone happy birthday. These tweets may not qualify as a perfect “THINK” post, but they do not violate any of the above questions. Therefore, no harm, no foul.

22. Understand the pros and cons of social media MoniQue Hoffman 12 Easy Tips for Using Social Media Responsibly MoniQue Hoffman MoniQue Hoffman, QtheBrand, @QtheBrand Students have more control over their future than they think when it comes to using social media. It’s important to understand how social media could make or break future educational or professional opportunities. Each student should complete a series of exercises that allow them to define who they are, who they are not, and what their biggest fear is when it comes to being misunderstood or misinterpreted. Analyzing past posts against their answers should put things into perspective for the student. Over time, the pros and cons to being socially responsible on social media become very clear.

23. Become a source of useful information

‍ Ilena Di Toro, Just Movie Posters

‍ When using social media, be a source that gives useful information to others, not a drain that wastes other’s time. Students can either post an infinite number of selfies, gossip messages, or, worse, hate messages, which drains the viewer. Conversely, they can post pictures of achievements (sports or hobbies) or articles from websites, broadcast, or print media, which are useful sources of information for the viewer. Providing helpful information online benefits the reader and it also boosts your reputation as somewhat of an “expert”.

24. Manage what is posted online

‍ Dan Konzen, University of Phoenix

‍ Practicing responsible social media is very simple. Students can easily build a strong, professional online brand by managing what is posted about them online:

Perform a search on yourself to see what your online brand looks like. Start by googling your name and where you’re from. Go back and clean up what you can, making sure to remove any inappropriate posts and pictures from you or about you. Keep head shots as professional as possible, especially on sites like LinkedIn, which can be easily found by future employers. Create an alert to see what is posted about you online and on social media in the future. Ultimately, students should think about what is posted online as a digital face tattoo; even if it is removed, it still leaves a scar.

25. Urge students to question their content before they post

‍ Johnna Ithier, SpeakLIFE

‍ ‍ Urge students to ask themselves the following questions before they post anything online:

• Is the post TRUE or a rumor?
• Is the post HELPFUL or harmful?
• Is the post INFORMATIONAL or gossip?
• Is the post NEEDED or irrelevant?
• Is the post KIND or harsh?

If the post is not any of these things, or you have to question it, you probably shouldn’t post it. Once you hit send, post, etc… the message is no longer yours and the receiver can do anything they want with the message.

A lot of responsibility comes with using the internet. Parents and educators should take a proactive approach and help kids find positive ways to use social media before they get their first digital device or social media account. Establishing digital boundaries and open communication from the start could help prevent them from posting something that could cost them a dream opportunity in the future.

Before giving your student access to social media, parents can:

• Download each app and review the Terms of Service
• Start a discussion early on and consider using a Social Media Agreement
• Inform students that there will be consequences right away if there are any social media mishaps
• Remind teens that nothing is private online
• Urge students to question each piece of content before they post it

‍ Once your students are active on social media, parents can:

• Follow them on all of their social networks
• Encourage students to post content that showcases their aptitude
• Consider setting time limits
• Become a trusted resource for students when they have questions or feel uncomfortable about content they see on social media
• Stay involved and ask students what they are doing and who they are chatting with

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How to be a healthy user of social media

Senior Lecturer in Positive Psychology, The University of Melbourne

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We can learn a lot about people through how they use social media. For example, Twitter language can be used to predict the risk of dying from heart disease .

Analyses of Facebook updates show women tend to be warmer than men, but just as assertive , and people high in extraversion tend to express positive emotions, whereas those with neurotic tendencies are more likely to write about being lonely and depressed.

Concerns exist about the negative effects social media can have on mental health, especially for young people .

The incidence of cyberbullying , sexting and victimisation has risen. People manage their profiles, presenting an image of a perfect life, while hiding real struggles they might have. Despite having thousands of “friends”, some people still feel completely alone .

The potential for social media to be used to detect signs of mental illness is reflected in Facebook’s implementation of a suicide watch program .

What to look for in your use of social media

Is there a way to tell if your use of social media is healthy or reflective of underlying mental health conditions?

With my colleagues, PhD student Liz Seabrook and Dr Nikki Rickard , we recently conducted a systematic review of 70 different studies that linked social media use to depression, anxiety and mental well being. Turns out, social media is not all good, nor all bad . It’s more about how you use it.

If you are concerned about your own social media use or that of a family member, here are some aspects to look out for.

1. Content and tone

One of the main things that distinguished users who reported high well-being versus those with depression or anxiety was what they wrote about and how they wrote it.

Depressed people used a lot more negative language, reflecting on things that were going wrong, or complaining about life or other people. They posted angry thoughts and emotions.

After writing a post, take a moment to read through it. What is the tone? Consider ways you can focus on some of the good things that happen in your life, not just the negative.

After a conversation with a friend, sometimes I feel really good about the conversation. Other times I don’t.

Similarly, we found the quality of interactions on social media made a big difference. Depression related to negative interactions with other people, being more critical, cutting others down or feeling criticised by others, and hostility.

In contrast, by supporting and encouraging others and feeling supported by them, it can help you feel good.

3. Time online

A recent Australian survey found adults spend over two hours a day using social media. It also found more than 50% of young people are heavy social media users, with one quarter reporting being constantly connected.

In our review, some studies found depressed users spent more time online while other studies were inconclusive.

Notably, no study found spending more time online was a good thing.

This is something to keep on the radar as people spend more and more time connected to their devices. Many young people have a fear of missing out (FOMO) , and thus stay constantly connected. Indeed, in our review we found feeling addicted to social media was associated with higher levels of depression.

We see growing evidence that simplifying life , including spending time offline, has health and well-being benefits.

If you feel concerned about how much time passes by while you are online, consider stepping away from social media for a few days.

4. Passive versus active use

Some people post many updates, providing blow-by-blow descriptions of their lives. Others read through news feeds, liking posts and passing interesting tidbits on to others.

In our review, simply reading posts and browsing news feeds did not positively or negatively impact well-being.

The difference was for active users: those who posted their thoughts and feelings and responded to others. People who were depressed posted a lot of negative content. Those who were happy actively engaged with other users, sharing their lives.

5. Social comparisons

Social media provides opportunities to compare ourselves with others, for better or for worse.

Social media can provide support groups that can help spur you on towards reaching a specific goal. For example, the Strengths Challenge used social networks to encourage people to look for good things about themselves and their co-workers, resulting in higher levels of well-being.

But comparing yourselves with others can also be quite destructive. Depressed individuals were more likely to see others as better than them. Envy plays a particularly destructive role.

If you find yourself jealous of friends and others in your network, it might be a good time to disconnect and find other sources to build up your self esteem.

6. Motivation

Why do you use social media? People who used social media to connect with friends felt it contributed to their well-being.

In contrast, those who were depressed sought out social support on social media, but felt like their friends were letting them down.

If you are feeling lonely and trying to fill a void through social media, it could be doing more harm than good.

Take a good look at yourself

Social media is here to stay. It offers a great way to connect with others, but can also exacerbate social anxieties that exist in the offline world.

So how do you best use social media? Take a few minutes to think about how social media makes you or your family and friends feel. Is it a positive addition to your life, or does it make you feel bad, consuming time and energy you could use in other ways?

By taking stock of your social media habits, it can help you choose ways – and encourage others – to use it in a manner that keeps you healthy.

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• Teen depression

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The Responsibilities of Social Media Platforms and Users

Scott Campbell , PhD, joins this episode of Michigan Minds to discuss how social media platforms are reducing disturbing content, ethical strategies users can practice online, and media mindedness. Campbell is the Constance F. and Arnold C. Pohs Professor of Telecommunication in the Department of Communication and Media at the U-M College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. His research focuses on investigating how to change the dynamics between self and society in a digital context.

Campbell provides insight from a paper he authored, Re-Conceptualizing Solitude in the Digital Era: From “Being Alone” to “Noncommunication,” explaining the evolution from previous theories. As solitude is quite the opposite of communication, which is his expertise, Campbell shares that investigating the contrasting side to communication is what sparked his interest in this research. He notes that previous research on solitude was published before the rise of digital and social media, and wanted solitude to be rethought as a matter of social aloneness rather than physical aloneness.

“It’s important when we start thinking about solitude as social aloneness and physical aloneness, and the fact that we can connect anytime anywhere now with our mobile phones in our pockets. It helps us realize that there are a couple of different versions of solitude and that some of it is going away.” SCOTT CAMPBELL

In a recent article in The Wall Street Journal , Campbell details how the continuous circulation of disturbing viral videos harms social media users. With social media being widely accessible, he shares that there’s a much lower threshold for who can participate in public communication, but also how people participate. Campbell explains how a social media user shared a video they took of a fatal fall that occurred at an amusement park, which spread widely on platforms. He emphasizes that these videos have negative impacts on people’s wellbeing, and how important it is for social media channels to have community standards.

He explains what social media platforms are doing in an effort to reduce traumatic content that’s circulating and what has changed over the years. He says that overall, researchers are seeing more diversity and cleaner spaces across social platforms, which can be a result of online community standards. When comparing platforms, Twitter has lower community standards where people are not as accountable compared to a platform like TikTok, where disturbing content is taken down more quickly. Although social platforms are responsible for establishing safe online communities, Campbell adds that it’s also the users who must practice ethical communication and social engagement as they would in person.

“There’s ethics on our part too, and we have to be ethical users. It’s for our own well being, but it’s for the well being of others to be ethical in our mindset of how we’re using social media—and so some of the responsibility lies on the individual too,” he says. 

Campbell discusses freedom of speech on the internet and relates it to the importance of democracy. He says that to have ethically functional conversations online, people must be responsible for their words and actions, and think about how their communication will be interpreted before they post. “We have to bring our own set of ethics and principles to the table, it’s just as important that we do in terms of not just what we post, but what we report, what we don’t report, what we look at, etc.”

Media literacy and mindfulness are also important elements to using social media platforms. Campbell refers to this as “media mindedness,” which he describes as a unified effort to care about how we use social media instead of using it as a place to harm or create conflict with others. 

“We need to have a higher sense of media mindedness so that we can turn on our media literacy skills, and that means that we have to really care in a way that I think that instead of caring, we tend to take our media for granted,” he says.

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Responsible Use of Social Media

Social networks are one of the major modes of communication today and although their basic idea is built on the concept of connecting with friends and family; the impact of these websites have far outweighed their initial uses. These are forums where people can find friends and adversaries; get connected with like-minded individuals and lead the world to change in both positive and negative ways. The world has become very small due to the advent of these forums and levels of connectivity which was hitherto undreamt of; has suddenly reached everyone’s fingertips. People are still coming to terms with the vastness of the internet and getting used to knowing everything about everyone through these websites. In the meantime, the private corporations which built these social media are regularly collecting large amounts of personal data from unsuspecting users around the globe. This vast amount of data is then used for two things – firstly, to tailor content according to each user’s individual taste. The algorithms are set to understand the liking and disliking of every user and machine learning helps to improve on the advertisements and recommendations individually. Secondly, from all the files leaked by Edward Snowden in 2013, we now know Facebook, Amazon, Google and others work with the world’s governments in providing them with all this personal data so they can snoop on everyone under the guise of terrorism prevention.

This course will be designed to create digitally aware citizens who can utilize social media in a positive way and stay safe from addiction and breaches of privacy in the modern world.

The project is divided into three modules:

Module 1: Our Secrets, Their Secrets The first part explores the area of Social Media Intelligence or SOCMINT. The surveillance and collection of user’s personal information on social media and monitoring their posts and data to predict future behaviors and manipulate them for marketing and profit. This breach in privacy is possible because users are readily giving away their data unsuspectingly. So, the first part will guide students to: 1. Be aware of what they’re making public and limit the websites from monitoring personal data. 2. Be aware of the policies of social media sites and how to block cookies and extensions to ensure no additional information is given out. 3. Engage in Security and Privacy Check-ups provided by Google, Facebook and the like. 4. Familiarize themselves with all account settings, especially group settings so no potentially sensitive information is shared among a large crowd without realization. 5. Be aware that privacy has to be spread among friends and family too so they don’t make mistakes by sharing personal information without their knowledge.

Module 2: Eat, Breathe and Drink Content This will consist of the meaning, symptoms, causes and effects of social media addiction and how it has become an all-pervading problem in the modern world. The increase in sharing personal pictures of moments with friends brings into fore new disorders which include the likes of “FoMO” or Fear of Missing Out (added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2014). This leads to people going through a constant fear that something is happening and they’re missing out. Similar cases of “Cybersickness”, “Facebook Depression”, “Online Gaming Addiction” etcetera have become rampant. This part will cover: 1. The negative effects on mental health of addicted users and the categories of disorders that have newly developed because of this. 2. The negative effects on physical health of addicted users and how one can slowly destroy their body by getting consumed more and more. 3. How to overcome the obsessive need of checking social media constantly, avoiding selfie deaths, handling and reporting cyber bullying and ways to survive in the cut throat world of cowards hiding in anonymity behind their screens with evil intentions.

Module 3: Becoming Digital Celebrities The third part will cover the positive side of social media. Social media, if used properly; can become a powerful tool for performing democracy. It gives everyone a chance to voice their opinions and start direct dialogue with big corporations and government officials. An individual can harness social media to popularize his art, craft or skill without needing to get discovered by anyone. This part in the course will show students how to: 1. Customize and create content that attracts more viewers. Sharing is easy but one has to make a user click on the content and make sure he gets the important information at a glance. This will be possible by customizing and reformatting a single content for different social media. 2. Use social media to showcase their talents and connect with people or businesses to advance their careers. How to create free websites, create and manage Facebook groups, free blogs and pages to share content among potential audience will be shown. 3. Connecting with like-minded people, groups and such to get important messages across peers and spreading awareness about social issues. If one can generate a movement to ban single use plastics across the world; it might prove to be incredibly more effective than any government speech or conference. This will start with understanding various hashtag activism movements that have empowered people through social media in the past.

Sayantan Mukherjee

Sayantan Mukherjee is a teacher and professional video editor based in Kolkata, India. He has edited numerous feature length documentary films, short films and corporate films. He is a part of the organization "Bichitra Pathshala" where he regularly mentors’ students and teachers of schools and institutions on how to integrate technology and cinema into their teaching/learning designs. He is a technical consultant for various institutions and has been around the country for Vigyan Prasar- the Science Communication Department of the Government of India; exposing the uses of moving image and internet in a classroom situation. He is the visiting faculty of video editing in Aliah University and teaches B.Sc. students of Media Science how to craft their own films on the editing table. He works for EMMRC, St. Xavier's College as anchor and editor for numerous MOOC programmes made under the Swayam platform for UGC, India.

Subha Das Mollick

A media teacher and a documentary filmmaker, Subha Das Mollick has made more than 50 documentary films on a variety of subjects, most of which have been aired on the national television. A post graduate in Physics, she switched over to media after more than ten years of teaching Physics at the undergraduate level. She has been the head of the Film Studies and Mass Communication Dept. at the St. Xavier's College, Kolkata and nurtured the twin departments at their stages of infancy. She has also been the head of the Media Science Department at iLEAD Institute. She has been the principal instructor for two online courses on the SWAYAM Platform. Presently she is a visiting faculty at Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Viswa Bharati University and at Aliah University. As the founder secretary of Bichitra Pathshala, she has been developing the pedagogy for effective use of moving images in teaching learning designs.  Her recent independent productions “Calcutta Sonata” and “Dwelling in Travelling” have been critically acclaimed in the festival circuit and bagged some prestigious awards.

Andrea Niosi

Andrea Niosi is a Marketing Instructor in the School of Business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in British Columbia, Canada.

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This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

CONFUSING PLATFORMS. The CIVID-19 forced senior citizens indoors, where they had to ask the help of younger members of the family for tasks, like shopping and bill payments, that they had formerly done.

MANILA, Philippines – Now that the internet is widely accessible to most people, how can we be more responsible on social media? What can people do to promote a safe community on social media? 

In the third session of MovePH’s media and information literacy training series, experts highlighted that digital citizens must know and exercise their rights and responsibilities online. This is to help promote a safe and responsible digital environment. The webinar featured World Bank consultant Bernice Soriano and content creator Mona Magno-Veluz (also known on TikTok as Mighty Magulang).

Here are some ways for people to be responsible digital citizens.

1. Know your digital rights

Not all social media users are aware of their digital rights. Soriano emphasized that a citizen’s rights offline should also apply online. 

“Digital technology should provide ways to exercise human rights. But what happens usually, these are being violated online…I think a lot of women, LGBTQIA, [and] other marginalized communities would actually echo these. It’s always been said that just because you were bashed online–then it’s okay because it’s just online… No, your rights were still violated and that shouldn’t happen,” Soriano said in a mix of Filipino and English. 

Given the lack of or limited laws on digital rights, hatred, anger, and shaming tend to get normalized on social media. This especially applies to how we usually perceive cyberbullying and online violence as passive and harmless. 

To learn more about digital rights and how we can help translate these into action in our communities, here are some resources you can check: 

• United Nations Secretary Roadmap for Digital Cooperation 
• Declaration of European Digital Rights and Principles 
• Philippine Declaration on Internet Rights and Principles

2 . Be mindful of how you use social media

Responsible digital citizens are savvy social media users. According to Soriano, responsible digital citizens are encouraged to educate and empower people by creating, consuming, and sharing content. This can be done simply by helping a family member protect their social media accounts, or it can be as complex as utilizing social media to spark movements and advocacies to reach more people.

“You have a lot of information available to you. The web, the internet is there. We consume a lot of information, but what’s key is [to] apply the literacy skills to know which information I need, to apply critical thinking, and eventually be able to act as a person that can make good judgment,” Soriano said.

Veluz echoed this, citing how false information is at times created faster than the ability of the platforms to react. Thus, the need for social media users to be careful about what they share and how they interact with posts online. 

“If you keep watching accounts that propagate fake news so that you can get angry and leave nasty comments, you are being anger-baited and you are helping drive up their social media relevance. So, the lesson to that is to just stay calm,” Veluz said in a mix of Filipino and English. 

People should know what issues to prioritize, and what are the things that should be left ignored. When dealing with conversations online, Veluz suggested practicing a three-strike rule: leave a conversation after three exchanges of debates to avoid further flooding and engaging with internet trolls. 

“No matter our purpose for being in social media, we must be upstanding social media citizens…Social media should be a reflection of our values and issues that matter to us,” she added.

3. Engage meaningfully

Disinformation breeds hatred and violence. With heightened conflict on social media, online citizens can easily act like internet trolls without being aware of it, especially when they come across posts that are different from their views. 

“We cannot confuse the right to speak with being right. We cannot confuse opinions with facts,” Veluz said.

To sustain a healthy discourse online, citizens should be open to facts and criticism. As opinions should be grounded on facts, people should not be shamed for changing their opinions on certain things, especially when they find better information and evidence on something they once believed in.

Veluz added that it is important for us to be careful in our approach when dealing with disinformation. 

“We have to periodically review our tactics to engage people. We have to pivot when the results are telling us that whatever we are doing is not working. We have to continuously innovate on how to share lights, because the darkness will be doing exactly the same thing,” she added.

4. Practice empathy

Empathy can go a long way and is one of the key factors to building trust, persuade, and sustain meaningful relationships with the people around you. 

When correcting a relative or friend, Veluz shared that her personal technique is to ask questions politely to understand where they are coming from. By doing that, you are not making it appear as if you are better or smarter than someone else. It is important to acknowledge what they know before you slowly guide them towards the correct information.

On top of that, she also advised the current generation to break the chain of name-calling, bashing, or speaking without sense or reason as it may only hinder people from listening to you.

“I want to believe that people I talk to online and even offline are capable of compassion and kindness, even if we do not always agree…I always tell my kids never write anything down or say anything online if you cannot say those exact words to that person’s face,” Veluz said. 

“As a genealogist, I always tell people that 100 years from now, our social media presence will be the primary evidence on what kind of human beings we were,” she added.

The five-part media and information literacy series aims to bring together teachers, students, and leaders who will learn – and talk about – how to be critical and discerning online. This was launched by the #FactsFirstPH initiative , through Rappler’s civic engagement arm MovePH, along with 25 participating schools and organizations in the Philippines.

Participants may register for the media and information literacy series here for free . – Rappler.com

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Using Social Media Responsibly

By Vicki Kirkman, LCSW, LCAC – Feb. 25, 2020

Everywhere you look you see people with their heads down staring at a bright screen, often consumed with the endless communication, information and entertainment that an electronic device provides.  Cell phones, tablets, smart watches and computers are everywhere! 

Kids and teenagers growing up in this digital age are learning how to use technology at a huge rate of speed.  When used appropriately, there are so many positive benefits that come with technology and using social media.  There are also many risks and potential harmful consequences to social media use.

The Oxford Reference defines social media as “websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.”  There are many social media platforms that teenagers use, but some of the most popular among that age group include Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok and Twitter. Facebook, Skype, Pinterest, Vine and Linked In are other popular social media sites that people of various age groups use.

One of the best benefits of social media is it allows people to easily stay connected through messaging, video chats or photographs.  It can provide opportunities to meet people from all areas of the world without even leaving the comfort of your own home.  Social media also provides so many platforms to express feelings, thoughts and opinions. It’s a great way to explore and learn more about various interests and stay informed about current events. Social media and technology can help someone develop or discover a community or support network too.

Along with the benefits of social media, risks and negative consequences can arise.  Too much social media use can result in lower interaction with family, friends, or co-workers.  Exposure to inappropriate content like violence and pornography is highly possible without the use of monitoring and parental control applications.  Inappropriate behavior such as bullying, slander, or sending/posting risky pictures can happen because a social media user has a false sense of security behind the screen.  Often people don’t consider that their digital footprint can last forever. 

Lack of sleep or interrupted sleep is another negative side effect of too much social media use.  Some people report feeling anxious or depressed after using social media. Pictures and stories often depict someone’s “best of the best” or “highlight reel.”  The pressure to keep posts engaging, picture-perfect and time-worthy can add to feelings of anxiety.  It is easy to start comparing your life to someone else’s digital life and feel down or not good enough. 

Young people have the ability to be in contact with friends all the time, thus leaving them with a sense of no privacy and “too connected” with peers.  Despite the constant ability to stay in contact, they can also feel lonely at the same time. Due to apps that share your location or show if a message has been read, it can be apparent if someone is ignoring or not including you.

Listed below are some good reminders about using social media and technology responsibly to make the most of the positive benefits it can offer.

• Develop and tend to your real life relationships and experiences.
• Take an honest self-assessment of your use. How much are you using social media and why?
• Be yourself and be nice!
• Set limits and take breaks. For example, no posting during homework time, shut phone off or keep in another room during sleeping hours, make “technology free” rules with peers and family members.
• Don’t share your passwords with friends.
• Learn about privacy settings and review them often.
• Utilize social reporting policies and sites.
• Always think before you post.
• If you’re a parent, monitor and set limits for your children and teen’s social media use, have honest conversations about the benefits and risks, and model appropriate social media and technology use yourself.

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How To Be A Responsible Online User

What is your favorite thing about being a digital citizen? What is your favorite thing about being a responsible internet user? Let's find out more about How To Be A Responsible Online User.

What is your favorite thing about being a digital citizen?

First thing to do when online is be respectful to the environment in which you are using the internet. You should always be polite, and never use terms that could be construed as offensive or hurtful. Always obey the company's guidelines for onlineiquette, and remember that it is important to maintain a good image online. The second thing you need to do when online is to be aware of your surroundings. You should always keep your screen clear and avoid any input that might make your computer burst into flames. Finally, it's important to remember that you should always exercise caution when using technology, both on and off the internet. By following these tips and remaining safe while online, you can create a positive digital experience for yourself that will help you achieve success in life.

Step One: Use the proper language online.

When you're online, use polite language and avoid slang. Be sure to use words such as "please," "thank you," and "you're welcome."

Step Two: Respect others' privacy.

Keep your personal information private when you're online. Do not share your credit card number or other sensitive information with anyone. Be sure to protect your privacy settings on your computer and cell phone.

Related: How do I post a question on the internet? What are some dangers that can happen if you share your personal information on social networks? Let's find out more about What Information Should You Never Share Online? .

What is your favorite thing about being a responsible internet user?

World of digital Access is increasingly one where all individuals have access to communicate and participate in the economy. Digital Commerce revolves around the transformation of entire industries by using technology. Individuals are able to stay knowledgeable about the world around them through digital communication. Digital Literacy focuses on knowing how to connect with others and stay informed. By having access to information and being able to engage in digital commerce, individuals can improve their lives and work environments.

There are a few ways that we can become more responsible Internet users.

One way to become more responsible Internet users is to understand and obey the laws of the land. When you access the internet, you are responsible for how well you use it and for the consequences that your actions may have. You must be aware of all the treaties that world-wide protect various computer traffic, data, and privacy rights. You must also be aware of the illegal activities that are taking place on the internet and take steps to prevent them from happening.

Another way to become more responsible is to learn about online safety precautions. By understanding how online safety measures work, you can be better prepared if something happens on your computer that you weren't expecting. You can also make sure that you never leave your computer unattended, and always use a firewall when using the internet.

Finally, it is important to remember that we are all individuals and should act accordingly when using the internet.

Related: How does technology affect the way we live and work? What are the benefits of technology in society? Let's find out more about The Impact of New Technologies On Society As A Whole .

What are some good ways to be responsible and sensitive when using the internet?

Human is the most important factor in the equation when it comes to internetiquette. Remember that you are responsible for your actions on the internet and take into account the fact that others might not be as aware of your personal information as you are. You should always protect yourself by using legitimate passwords, never share your personal information with unauthorized individuals, and use common sense when browsing the internet.

Be aware of when you are being Cyber Sleuthed. Most people are unaware of the danger ofCyber Sleuthing and as a result, they can be easily tricked. Be mindful of what you say, do, and how you act when engaging inCyber Sleuthing activities. In addition, be sure to have a strong password for your online accounts.

What is the most important thing to remember when it comes to being a responsible digital citizen?

Responsibilities of a responsible digital citizen include keeping your online presence safe and private, as well as being mindful of the privacy of others. You also need to be responsible with your information, including how you share it online. If you want to be a good digital citizen, start by thinking about the ways in which you can improve your online behavior.

To be a responsible digital citizen, you must first understand that the use of the internet is an act of free speech. You are free to exercise your right to privacy and speak your mind on any and all matters, regardless of what anyone else may think. In addition, it is important that you take care of your own personal information, as there is no guarantee that other users will respect this same right. Finally, it's very important to beOnline safely in order to avoid any possible issues or cyber-attacks.

Related: How can I overcome social media envy? How do you deal with social media envy? Let's find out more about How To Deal with Social Media Envy .

What is the difference between being a responsible internet user and not being a responsible internet user?

Responsibilities of a responsible internet user include not using someone else's identity and information for personal gain, and being friends with only people you know. These measures can help keep you safe online.

When it comes to being a responsible online user, one of the most important things to keep in mind is not using someone else's identity. This will help you stay safe on the internet and avoid getting into trouble. Another idea is to stay away from comments if you don't know the entire story or issue being commented on. And finally, be careful about what you post online - always use appropriate language and be sure to cite specific sources.

What are the consequences of not being a responsible internet user?

Internet has allowed us to connect with others far away, allowing us to share personal details and pictures without fear of getting them published. This responsibility has come with a price, meaning we should not post personal details or explicit pictures of ourselves.

This presentation will explore the benefits and drawbacks of having an internet-connected lifestyle. It will discuss the different aspects of being a responsible internet user, including how to make sure your personal information is not shared with others, how to stay safe online, and how to use msn, facebook, beboetc responsibly.

Related: What is Technology Addiction, and What Harmful Effects it May Pose To Your Health? What are some of the possible dangers associated with technology addiction? Let's find out more about Technology Addiction and Its Potential Dangers .

What are some tips for being a more responsible social media user?

Final goal of becoming a responsible social media user is to be a positive and positive person who uses social media to connect with others. Examples of negative behavior that can come from an irresponsible social media user areottage information (e.g., personal information), spoiler tagged posts, and post about others that is derogatory or false. It is important to think before you post and to communicate effectively with others on social media. By being more respectful, you can help build a stronger relationship with friends and family, as well as help promote responsible online behavior.

To be a responsible social media user, always think before you post. Try to avoid posting about your own personal information or others' personal relationships. instead, choose quality content over quantity.

What is the best way to be a responsible social media user?

Amount of time you spend on social media should be minimized - if it's not practicable then be more responsible and delete conversations when they become inappropriate.

• - Use filters when you post. This will make sure that only positive topics are visible and that unsolicited messages are blocked.
• - Be civil when talking to others on social media. Don't get mad or angry when someone doesn't follow your account or doesn't react when you interact with them. Just be polite and respectful.
• - Make sure toDeactivate Account When Not habitable
• - Report any inappropriate behavior to your parents, guardian, or other adult who is responsible for your safety and well-being.

How do I become a responsible online platform user?

Powtoon platform makes it easy for you to create engaging, inspiring, and converting videos. With Powtoon, you can make an impact in your field with your videos.

Related: What are the five ways to spot fake news? What are some consequences for children who misuse social media? Let's find out more about The Power of the Internet and How To Use It Responsibly .

Powtoon is a platform that provides video content creation tools and services. It has a wide user base, made up of professionals and amateurs who share their videos with friends and family. By signing up for Powtoon, you can create engaging, inspiring, and converting videos with the help of Powtoon. You can use Powtoon to target your audience with tailored content creation tools, or use its social media presence to connect with potential customers.

What are some of the biggest steps you can take to be a more responsible computer user?

Four bad habits Christopher Tozzi vows to break in A new year are to protect one's passwords, keep software up-to-date and use firewalls.

Bad Habits:

• 1. Keep your passwords secure. Make sure you are using safe and complex passwords, instead of easy-to-remember passwords that can be hacked.
• 2. Use software management tools to keep track of your software changes and updates. This will help you avoid forgetting or misconfiguring your computer security.
• 3. Clear out old files and folders beforeMoving new ones on to ensure that there are no potential threats lurking in these places. This will help keep your computer running smoothly and protected from potential thefts or damage.

Wikipedia:Responsible tagging wikipedia.org File:Safe wikiTeaching responsible use of Wikipedia wikimedia.org 16.2 Being a Responsible Consumer of Research � Research Met bccampus.ca How to conduct user research: A step-by-step guide designstrategy.guide Safe and Responsible Use of the Internet: doc.gov Online Safety usa.gov Responsible Use of Online Resources cuanschutz.edu A Guide to Responsible Use of Electronic Communica bucks.edu

What are some of the biggest changes to computer security in recent years? What are the benefits of using technology in cybersecurity? Let's find out more about How Cyber Security Threats Have Changed In Recent Years.

What are some things to do when you are facing a technology curve? What are some of the benefits of embracing technology in business? Let's find out more about How To Stay Ahead of the Curve When It Comes To Technology In the Workplace.

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The Media And Its Responsibilities

The role of the media is to inform the public and hold those in power accountable. But what happens when the media fails to do its job?

There have been many instances where the media has failed to live up to its responsibilities. One recent example is the 2016 presidential election. Many people believe that the media did not do enough to vet candidates and allowed fake news to proliferate. As a result, democracy was undermined and trust in the media eroded.

The media must take responsibility for its actions and ensure that it is fulfilling its role in society. only then can it hope to regain the trust of the people.

In today’s world, ‘The Social Responsibility of the Media in Today’s Context.’ The job and duty of the media is to preserve truth, honesty, and social responsibility. My aim with this essay is to present a definition of social responsibility as well as numerous case studies demonstrating how it may be misused in impractical journalism techniques. By gaining a deeper understanding of what social responsibility means in the context of media, one may better craft legislation that is effective while also having the potential to enhance the function of media in society.

The paper starts with a brief introduction to the concept of social responsibility. It then looks at how different media outlets have approached social responsibility in their reporting. The paper concludes with some thoughts on the future of social responsibility in the media.

The first question that must be answered is, what is social responsibility? Social responsibility has been defined as “the duty of an individual or organization to act in a way that promotes the welfare of society as a whole”. In other words, it is the ethical obligation of individuals and organizations to consider the impact of their actions on others, and to act in a way that is beneficial to society.

There are many different ways in which media outlets can be socially responsible in their reporting. One way is by ensuring that the information they report is accurate and trustworthy. This can be done by fact-checking their sources, and being transparent about any errors that are made.

Another way is by considering the potential impact of their reporting on vulnerable groups, and taking steps to avoid causing harm. For example, media outlets may choose to avoid publishing images or stories that could potentially trigger negative mental health reactions in people who are struggling with anxiety or depression.

Some media outlets have been criticized for not living up to their social responsibility obligations. One high-profile example is the British tabloid newspaper The Sun, which was accused of sensationalizing a story about a missing child in order to sell more copies. The Sun was also criticized for publishing an offensive article about the Hillsborough disaster, in which 96 people were killed.

Despite the criticisms, many media outlets are committed to social responsibility and continue to work hard to ensure that their reporting is fair, accurate, and respectful of people’s rights and dignity. As the world becomes increasingly connected, it is important that media outlets uphold these standards in order to maintain public trust.

Looking to the future, it is clear that social responsibility will continue to be an important consideration for media outlets around the world. With new technologies emerging all the time, there will always be new ways for media outlets to interact with their audiences. It is up to each individual outlet to decide how they want to use these technologies, and whether they want to use them in a way that is socially responsible.

As the world changes, so too will the concept of social responsibility. What is considered to be socially responsible behaviour today may not be seen as such in the future. It is important for media outlets to stay up-to-date with changing social norms and expectations, and to adjust their reporting accordingly.

The media plays a vital role in society and it is important that it continues to act responsibly. By doing so, it can help to ensure that trust in the media remains high, and that people continue to value its role in holding power to account and informing the public.

The present paper strives to suggest how the media should go beyond short-term objectives while covering violence, conflict, and bloodshed in order to connect communities, foster unity, and stimulate development and peace. Citizens, as well as media practitioners, must aim to make Indian media more real, impartial, truthful, dispassionate, and last but not least socially responsible. The news media is straying from its own ethical standards.

The need of the hour is to make media accountable and responsible. The media reportings have a great impact on individuals and communities. While reporting, the media should not fall prey to sensationalism. The stories should be told keeping in mind the sensitivity of the people who would be reading or watching it. The reports should also help in bringing about a change for the betterment of society.

The media has a great responsibility toward society. It should work towards creating awareness and educating people about various issues affecting them. It should also play a role in promoting harmony and understanding among different sections of society. The media should strive to build a strong and cohesive society where everyone feels secure and empowered.

It has evolved into a money-making industry that is unwilling to bear its social responsibilities these days. It’s time for society to take a stand, and we’re all here today to talk, debate, and reach an agreement. We may not be able to fix everything everyone agrees with, but it will be a good start in improving the media’s sensitivity to people’s demands and duties related to media.

The media has a great responsibility to uphold and protect the society it sources its information from. It is a two-way street the media needs the society for news and content, while the society relies on the media to be informed about what is happening in the world. This relationship is essential for a healthy democracy, as an informed citizenry is necessary for making decisions about the country and participating in elections.

The problem arises when the media becomes more concerned with making money than with fulfilling its social responsibilities. This can happen in a number of ways. For example, clickbait headlines and fake news are designed to get people to click on links and share articles, regardless of whether or not the information is accurate. This creates a problem for the society, as people are not getting accurate information from the media sources they trust.

Another way that the media can fail in its social responsibilities is by pandering to special interests instead of reporting on stories that are in the public interest. For example, if a news organization is owned by a corporation, that corporation may pressure the news organization to downplay or ignore stories that cast it in a negative light. This kind of censorship is harmful to democracy, as it means that people are not getting the full story about what is happening in their world.

The solution to this problem is for the media to be more transparent about its finances and ownership, and to make sure that it is reporting stories in an unbiased way. The media also needs to be more responsive to the needs of the society, and to make sure that it is fulfilling its social responsibilities. Only then can we hope to have a healthy democracy.

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Responsible Use of Social Media: Think Twice Before You Click!

Social media  is a platform that has given us an endless opportunity to connect and engage with people from around the world – but, it must be used wisely.

Thanks to the mighty internet, we can now share our thoughts and experiences, get access to endless information, network professionally, and much more.

However, let’s not overlook the importance of using social media responsibly.

Being a responsible social media user is essential if you want these advantages without compromising your reputation or personal data.

Even one careless click can lead to something that you can NEVER be taken back.

This, what you might think is an innocent click, could lead to the ruin of your reputation, the demise of your business, or even interrupt your dinner because the FBI is knocking on your door . It can happen!

More about the FBI to follow…

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how being mindful before clicking any link or instigating any activity on our social media platforms can save us enormous time and energy over the long run in terms of protecting ourselves online.

The moral of the story – think twice before you click!

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Generation of Millennials – Synonymous with Using Social Media Platforms

Gone are the days when everything requires manual labor and the painstaking waiting game to obtain the information or results that we desire.

Everything is literally one click away now.

Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram , just to name a few, are some of the most popular social media platforms that we use on a daily basis to channel our daily activities.

Whether it’s as eventful as announcing your engagement, or as mundane as venting out your frustrations over a slow internet connection.

Social media platforms have indeed colonized our daily lives in so many ways possible.

The use of social media accounts has evolved rapidly within a short period of time and along with its evolution comes a different purpose to its users.

What started out as a simple outlet for sharing pictures and videos online has become a vicious tool for spreading misleading information, malicious hearsay, sexually provocative videos, and of course cyber bullying that accounted for numerous innocent deaths, and damaged the reputations of different people and even brands.

Suddenly, everyone is vulnerable.

We become our own perpetrators and victims without consciously realizing it.

The gravity of words that we share online can either bring us popularity and approval or plague us with hatred and bashers.

Responsible social media usage has unfortunately gone astray.

It’s a stigma that we need to halt.

Responsible Use of Social Media Accounts in Business

Logging on to social media platforms these days is like entering a unique universe – one full of opportunities, connections, conversations, and fun.

It’s also an incredibly powerful tool for businesses and organizations when used properly and responsibly.

Social media usage has the potential to boost engagement with your customers, generate leads, and create brand awareness that reaches far beyond traditional marketing methods.

However if not handled properly, it can have serious negative implications for businesses of all sizes.

Thankfully, by following some basic guidelines you can be a responsible social media user effectively while protecting yourself from devastating pitfalls.

Endless Communication

While social media usage is a popular choice nowadays to rant about our frustrations, it’s wise if you skip the impulse to impulsively post harsh words when you’re angry.

After all, once it’s seen, it cannot be taken back.

Stay away from online dramas and deal with your frustrations by talking to actual people who can really give you sincere counsel.

Try your family, for starters.

Don’t Be a Gossip-Monger

Another thing that you should never do is to spread rumors.

If your intention is to harass or bully someone that you dislike, then you better think twice about it.

Get your act together!

Know that: “you will reap what you sow,” so better be an ambassador of goodwill.

Choose Your Battles

Do not patronize public feuds.

Public display of abomination is not worth your time, it’s very pointless and unscholarly.

It’s for people who have nothing to do with their time and people recklessly looking for a fight.

Choose your battles and choose them well.

Less is More

Last but not least, do not post or share nude or sexually provocative photos!

Unless you dream of becoming a stripper or a porn star, then maybe that’s your thing.

Keep your private photos private, and provocative videos to yourself.

Again, once they’re on the Net, they are out there forever. Even if you delete them soon after, they’ll be somewhere to be found.

Self-respect is something we owe to ourselves.

Your idea of sexy should be – less is more, the less you reveal, the more people will wonder.

And, for the younger generation, the less possible trouble you could be in with your parents, or other authorities.

Fake News – It’s a Real Problem

We’re living in a world where information is at our fingertips.

But not all information we receive is true, and that’s the reality.

As much as social media has made it easier for us to access news, it has also given way to fake news – false stories or hoaxes circulated on social media platforms.

The consequences of this can be very dangerous, as people often take these fake news stories as facts and spread them further.

This can lead to widespread panic, chaos, and even violence.

So what can we do about it? The responsibility lies in each and every one of us to fact-check information before sharing it on social media.

We should also avoid spreading rumors or unverified news (fake news), as it can have serious consequences.

Let’s use our voices on social media for good, not for spreading false information.

FBI Dinner Interruption

NOTE : This story made the local news, so for his protection, I will not be revealing how long ago this took place, the city, state, social platform, the official, or any additional information that could lead to discovery.

We all know that there are some people that simply enjoy harassing or inserting their opinion towards the person for their wrongdoing, so we’ll keep this private.

Here’s the story…

I have a friend that told me a story where her son shared his unvarnished opinion about a government official.

At the time, his mother was not aware of what he did, until there was a knock on the door.

Her, soon-to-be 18-year-old son at the time, decided to share his opinion about a government official on a social media platform for others to read, thinking that what he had to say was funny.

It very well may have been hilarious, but… let me ask a question, do government officials have a sense of humor? I didn’t think so!

Little did he know, what he thought was funny, was considered a mild threat to the government official.

After a day had passed, receiving some responses to his post with some laughter, and some negative feedback intertwined, he decided to delete the social media post.

Unfortunately, the damage was done – his post was Flagged by the federal government.

Unfortunately for this young man, this meant a visit was inevitable from the, all too well-known, 3 letter acronym of the federal government.

But, thinking that he caught it in time, he wasn’t too worried.

One night, just a few days later, while he was enjoying dinner with his mother, a knock came at the door.

Guess Who it Was?

With his mother at a loss for words, because she has no idea what he did, and beads of sweat starting to form on the young man’s forehead, the FBI was cordially invited in and the interrogation began.

After the FBI left saying they’ll be in touch, and for a nerve-racking few months, he and his mother, feared the worst, thinking that he might do some prison time because their minds were in overdrive thinking he might be treated as an adult for his crime.

Because he was a few days shy of age 18 when he posted and showed remorse for his post, he received a slap on the wrist.

The government, not known for letting people off the hook with a warning, was given community service for a simple click of his mouse, that he couldn’t undue.

Moral of the story – choose wisely when sharing your opinion about government officials, or anyone for that matter.

Something to keep in mind – from what I understand, and it may be worth researching for yourself, the government has an algorithm to monitor everything (understandably so after 9/11).

There are several artificial intelligence, algorithms that scour the Internet (keeping our privacy intact), flagging specific keywords, and monitoring your text messages doing the same, along with an algorithm that listens to your phone calls to pick up specific words.

So, watch what you click to go out on the Internet, the text messages you send, along with what you say while talking on the phone!

The safest thing you can do is to NOT share something that you think might possibly get you in trouble.

If you’re not 100% sure, don’t put it out there!

Regardless of what platform you use, it’s very important that we all take responsibility for what we share on the Internet.

Privacy Settings aren’t made without purpose, utilize them properly.

If you are really fond of using social media, then keep it fun, interesting, and smart.

As we can see there are many risks when it comes to using social media, making it important to make socially responsible decisions.

We should think twice before we click and take advantage of the good that comes with a platform like social media while also protecting ourselves from its potential harm.

We must be conscious of our actions and strive to put an end to cyberbullying, spreading malicious rumors, or providing opportunities for identity theft.

At the same time, we can use the power of these platforms to find genuine connections, spread positive messages, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Thankfully, most social media platforms have features available to help protect users’ privacy and security and we must continue advocating for the responsible use of social media so that every user can benefit from this technology in a thoughtful fashion.

It’s our collective responsibility to be mindful of how we use these tools of communication as they become ever more intertwined within society’s core fabric each day.

Blogging since 2010, John has found his true calling as TheBlogPilot . He's a serial entrepreneur and business owner, who's mission is to help ambitious individuals find financial freedom through blogging - to start, grow & build a sustainable, money-making blogging business!

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Breaking News, Latest Philippines Headlines, World, Entertainment, Politics, Weather & Video News

How to be a responsible social media user?

More in life:.

QUEZON City, Philippines (November 11) – A lot of people are into social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Why not? Such sites have proven to be the best way to communicate with  friends and family.  Also, they proved to be the easiest way to keep updated on trending topics. They’re so convenient, one often forgets to use them responsibly. And in this day and age, one should be a responsible social media user.

With the touch of a screen, the click of a mouse, we can interact with somebody from a different country, stream live footage to relatives, or delight our friends with pictures and statuses. We live in a technologically-advanced society, with everything accessible to us. Anybody with opposable thumbs can record, communicate, and stream pretty much anything.

Being a responsible social media user starts from childhood.

Kids nowadays grow up having access to social media. As such, they can be more savvy than adults. So it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to teach them how to use social media properly. They should guide their kids to develop sound judgment and use social media securely.

Of course, everyone should be mindful of the things that we post online. One of the big no-no’s is to post your daily routine. Those with bad intentions can easily make use of such intimate information.

Another social media abuse is cyberbullying.  A lot of social media user are cyberbullied because of the information that they posted online.

Cyberbullying is a form of harassment that occurs in the web. On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or some other online networking outlet, it requires just a little push to badger somebody.

That’s the reason why every accounts we have in any social networking site should be safe and private.

Here are some tips from Sheffiled Hallam University everyone should follow,

Make sure you don’t

• use social media to complain or vent frustrations
• share personal pictures or information that will reflect badly on you
• announce when you’re on holiday (and leaving your home empty)
• express concerns about others, even if you think you are anonymous
• connect with people you don’t personally know, or at least without there being a purpose for the connection
• forget to log out of shared machines

We should all be responsible social media users. Derisive comments ought to never discover their way into spots that were made to be valuable wellsprings of data and fun leisure activities. Everyone, think before you click.

(written by Angelica H. Ernie, edited Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)

Privacy Overview

ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Public perception of media social responsibility in developing countries: a case study of albania provisionally accepted.

• 1 Aleksandër Moisiu University, Albania

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

This study delves into public perceptions of media social responsibility within the contemporary Albanian media landscape. Through a comprehensive analysis of various factors, the study identifies the prevailing principles that the public deems crucial for the media's social responsibility and how these principles can enhance the media's contribution to society. A structured questionnaire was used to capture a wide range of public perceptions, with 1,321 questionnaires filled out. These questionnaires were distributed using a face-to-face method across five major urban centers in Albania, ensuring a comprehensive and representative sample of public viewpoints. The distribution method employed a stratified sampling approach to ensure diverse representation across different demographic groups. Additionally, employing a mixed-methods approach, the research includes qualitative interviews with 20 influential stakeholders, including media directors, professors, analysts, and media researchers. Purposive sampling was utilized to select stakeholders representing various sectors of the media landscape. Rigorous measures were taken to mitigate data pollution, including thorough interviewer training and constant monitoring of data quality. An overarching thematic analysis was conducted to identify common themes and patterns across the qualitative interviews, complementing the quantitative findings. To gain further insights, we purposefully selected and conducted a focus group with 28 journalists from various media platforms. The sampling method for the focus group involved purposive sampling to ensure representation from diverse media backgrounds and experiences. Data collected from the focus group underwent thematic analysis to identify common themes and patterns, contributing to an overarching qualitative analysis. The empirical findings reveal that the media's social responsibility in Albania does not fully adhere to the expected standards encompassing all relevant principles. Internal dynamics within media organizations and external forces from politics, economics, and society collectively influence this shortfall. The study highlights the importance of considering public perceptions and expectations in shaping media's social responsibility, emphasizing the need for substantial improvements. In conclusion, this research not only provides practical insights for media practitioners but also offers valuable perspectives for policymakers.

Keywords: media social responsibility, public perception, contemporary media landscape, transparency and accountability, Media ethics

Received: 14 Nov 2023; Accepted: 03 Apr 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 Skana and Gjerazi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Dr. Blerina Gjerazi, Aleksandër Moisiu University, Durrës, 3001-3006, Albania

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5 Characteristics Of Responsible User Of Media Information

Direction: Determine the characteristics of responsible media and information users . Place a () mark on the line if you think the statement describes a responsible user and place an (X) mark on the line if you think the statement does not 1. A responsible user posts and shares unverified news articles 2. A responsible user considers about social consequences before posting on different media platforms. 3. A responsible user posts relevant information for the benefit of all. 4. A responsible user plagiarizes one's authorship, 5. A responsible user should not intend to harm somebody using media​

1. Direction: Determine the characteristics of responsible media and information users . Place a () mark on the line if you think the statement describes a responsible user and place an (X) mark on the line if you think the statement does not 1. A responsible user posts and shares unverified news articles 2. A responsible user considers about social consequences before posting on different media platforms. 3. A responsible user posts relevant information for the benefit of all. 4. A responsible user plagiarizes one's authorship, 5. A responsible user should not intend to harm somebody using media​

It's a check mark, right?

2. 2. Which of the following is NOT an example information?A.Process DataB.Research ReportC.cellular phoneD. Signs and Symbols3. Which of the following implies information literacy?A. Can recognize information using printed and written materialsB. Can identify and understand information using printed and written materialsC. Can identify, understand, and interpret information using printed and writtenmaterialsD.Can recognize when information is needed, where to locate information4. Which of the following DOES NOT denote impact of media and information literacyon individual?A. Able to engage in media and technology carelesslyB. Able to engage in media and technology effectivelyC. Has developed critical thinking in using media, information and technologyD. Able to engage and develop critical thinking in using media, information andtechnology5. Which of the following is a characteristic of media and information on society?A.Independent societyB.Knowledgeable societyC.Prosperous societyD.Effective society6. Which of the following is a feature of business in media and information oneconomy?A. Flexible marketing strategyB. Advance manufacturing toolsC.Adjust customer profileD. Faster delivery of goods7.Which of the following shows the power of media in promoting awareness?A. Easy access to mediaB.Create a chain reactionC.Promote active engagementD. Easily transmitted information8. Which of the following is the nature of media and information in educationalenvironment?A. Offers flexible coursesB. Creates lively discussionC. Demands advance gadgetsD. Creates new environment9. How does a media and information literate individual analyze information?A. Can spot fake informationB. Can spot true informationC. Both A and BD. A only10. Which skill DOES NOT belong to the group?11.Which skill DOES NOT belong to the group?A.I can search for information using social network sites using internet.B. I can accurately identify and define the information.C. I can relate between new information and existing knowledge.D.I can choose the best strategies and techniques for my information needs.12.Which situation below paves the way for the need to have Technology Literacy?A. growing digital divide between generationsB. exponential growth of data and information creates new challengesC. user generated content is increasing and new platforms to accommodate thisdemand are growingD.All of the above13. Which of the following shows the characteristics of an information and medialiterate individual?A. can design website and pagesB. able to use media content properlyC. understand the maximum bytes for a messageD. advices content consumers to use appropriate media14. Linda, a blogger, shares mostly her ICT content to her subscribers for free.Whatcharacteristics of MIL is reflected in her action?A. disseminate information and media content using appropriate technologyB. know their information and media rights and responsibilityC. understand the role and functions of information providersD. create knowledge and share it widely5. Which is NOT included in the Media and Information Literacy concept?A. Financial LiteracyB. Information LiteracyC.Media LiteracyD.Digital Literacy​

3. 3. which of the following implies information literacya. can recognize information using printed and written materialsb. can identify and understand information using printed and written materialsc. can identify, understand, and interpret information using printed and writtenmaterialsd.can recognize when information is needed, where to locate information4. which of the following does not denote impact of media and information literacyon individuala. able to engage in media and technology carelesslyb. able to engage in media and technology effectivelyc. has developed critical thinking in using media, information and technologyd. able to engage and develop critical thinking in using media, information andtechnology5. which of the following is a characteristic of media and information on societya.independent societyb.knowledgeable societyc.prosperous societyd.effective society6. which of the following is a feature of business in media and information oneconomya. flexible marketing strategyb. advance manufacturing toolsc.adjust customer profiled. faster delivery of goods7.which of the following shows the power of media in promoting awarenessa. easy access to mediab.create a chain reactionc.promote active engagementd. easily transmitted information8. which of the following is the nature of media and information in educationalenvironmenta. offers flexible coursesb. creates lively discussionc. demands advance gadgetsd. creates new environment9. how does a media and information literate individual analyze informationa. can spot fake informationb. can spot true informationc. both a and bd. a only10. which skill does not belong to the group11.which skill does not belong to the groupa.i can search for information using social network sites using internet.b. i can accurately identify and define the information.c. i can relate between new information and existing knowledge.d.i can choose the best strategies and techniques for my information needs.12.which situation below paves the way for the need to have technology literacya. growing digital divide between generationsb. exponential growth of data and information creates new challengesc. user generated content is increasing and new platforms to accommodate thisdemand are growingd.all of the above13. which of the following shows the characteristics of an information and medialiterate individuala. can design website and pagesb. able to use media content properlyc. understand the maximum bytes for a messaged. advices content consumers to use appropriate media14. linda, a blogger, shares mostly her ict content to her subscribers for free.whatcharacteristics of mil is reflected in her actiona. disseminate information and media content using appropriate technologyb. know their information and media rights and responsibilityc. understand the role and functions of information providersd. create knowledge and share it widely15. which is not included in the media and information literacy concepta. financial literacyb. information literacyc.media literacyd.digital literacy​.

Explanation:

correct me if I'm wrong

pa brainliest

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