TRENDS: HOW ARE TEENS BEHAVING ONLINE TODAY?
Young adults have become increasingly more knowledgeable about the online world, yet they remain in the dark about how to protect themselves online. With the rising use of mobile devices, there has been a significant increase in the amount of time that people spend connected to the internet. This applies to teens as well, as many of them own cellular devices that can connect to data or Wi-Fi. Hand held devices allow them to stay connected with the online world all day long.
Although teens today may be making efforts to create and monitor their own online identity, many still have a false sense of security on the web. They have access to so many different networks and social media platforms that allow and encourage them to post personal information about themselves. Being able to brand yourself online is a very valuable tool but it is also important that teenagers learn at a young age the permanency of what they share online. Things like photos, conversations, comments and posts can be very difficult to erase completely from the web. It is crucial that teens are aware of how much of what they do online is visible to others. Teenagers are not always thinking of the long term effects of their actions online. It is important to be aware of the dangers of identity theft, online surveillance, and the content current or future employers may have access to. Being informed about online privacy and security is an essential part of keeping the youth safe today. It is crucial for parents and educators to be knowledgeable about the proper tools available for maintaining a reasonable level of privacy online.
Here is a link to an article about the attitudes of youth towards online privacy:
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/21/teenagers-careless-about-online-privacy
Sources:
Henley, Jon. “Are Teenagers Really Careless about Online Privacy?” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 22 Oct. 2013. Web. 3 Apr. 2014. http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/oct/21/teenagers-careless-about-online-privacy/
Lenhart, Amanda. “9 Things You Need To Know About Teens, Technology & Online Privacy.” Pew Research Centers Internet American Life Project RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Apr. 2014. http://www.pewinternet.org/2013/11/07/9-things-you-need-to-know-about-teens-technology-online-privacy/
PRIVACY ON THE WEB: INTRODUCTION
TRENDS: HOW ARE TEENS BEHAVING ONLINE TODAY?
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