Topic 1: Online Safety and Exploitation, Social Media Etiquette

Section 1: Social Media

1.1: What is Social Media? 

Social media are interactive technologies that allow the creation or sharing/exchange of information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression through virtual communities and networks. Social media is internet-based and gives users quick electronic communication of content. Different types of social media include: Instagram, Tiktok, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.

1.2: Pros of Social Media

While virtual interaction on social media doesn’t have the same psychological benefits as face-to-face contact, there are still many positive ways in which it can help you stay connected and support your wellbeing. Social media enables you to: communicate and stay up to date with family and friends around the world, seek or offer emotional support during tough times, and find new friends and communities. Social media also allows individuals to  network with other people who share similar interests or ambitions, join or promote worthwhile causes/raise awareness on important issues, find an outlet for your creativity and self-expression, and lastly discover sources of valuable information and learning.

Social Media and Mental Health 

1.3: Cons of Social Media

Throughout multiple studies, social media has been linked to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts. Social media platforms promote negative experiences such as inadequacy about our lives and unrealistic body standards. Even if you know that images you’re viewing on social media are manipulated, they can still make you feel insecure about how you look or what’s going on in your own life. Similarly, we’re all aware that other people tend to share just the highlights of their lives, rarely the low points that everyone experiences. But that doesn’t lessen those feelings of envy and dissatisfaction when you’re scrolling through a friend’s airbrushed photos of their tropical beach holiday or reading about their exciting new promotion at work. 

Human beings need face-to-face contact to be mentally healthy. Nothing reduces stress and boosts your mood faster or more effectively than eye-to-eye contact with someone who cares about you. The more you prioritize social media interaction over in-person relationships, the more you’re at risk for developing or exacerbating mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. About 10 percent of teens report being bullied on social media and many other users are subjected to offensive comments. Social media platforms such as Twitter can be hotspots for spreading hurtful rumors, lies, and abuse that can leave lasting emotional scars.

While FOMO has been around far longer than social media, sites such as Facebook and Instagram seem to exacerbate feelings that others are having more fun or living better lives than you are. The idea that you’re missing out on certain things can impact your self-esteem, trigger anxiety, and fuel even greater social media use. FOMO can compel you to pick up your phone every few minutes to check for updates, or compulsively respond to each and every alert—even if that means taking risks while you’re driving, missing out on sleep at night, or prioritizing social media interaction over real world relationships. A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that high usage of Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram increases rather decreases feelings of loneliness. Conversely, the study found that reducing social media usage can actually make you feel less lonely and isolated and improve your overall wellbeing. Sharing endless selfies and all your innermost thoughts on social media can create an unhealthy self-centeredness and distance you from real-life connections.

Section 2: Etiquette

2.1: What is etiquette?

By definition, etiquette is the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group. Now you may ask, “Why is etiquette important?” Etiquette helps us to be thoughtful about our conduct, helps us to be aware of the feelings and rights of others, helps us to get along with others, and promotes respect for people of different cultures and races. Etiquette also teaches you the way to talk, walk, and most importantly behave in society. It is essential for an everlasting first impression because it is the way you interact with your superiors, parents, fellow workers, and friends which speaks a lot about your personality and up-bringing. Etiquette enables the individuals to earn respect and appreciation in the society, overall becoming more responsible and mature. 

2.2: What are rules/guidelines?

Rules are a set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct within a particular activity or sphere. Guidelines are a general rule, principle, or piece of advice. Rules are important because when used appropriately, rules provide a sense of predictability and consistency for children, thereby promoting physical and emotional safety. They also help guide actions toward desired results. Rules play a certain role in our lives and its purpose is to organize the relations between individuals and the society to make it clear what is right and what is wrong and what happens if someone does break the rules. They are designed to ensure fairness, safety, and respect for other people's rights. Without rules, our society would not be able to operate properly. For instance, there would be no rules or regulations regarding the environment, traffic safety devices, or repair of streets and roads. Crimes would be committed, and there would be no punishment or rehabilitation. Rules help us to feel safe and secure.

2.3: Why is your reputation important? 

An online reputation is just as important as your offline reputation and here is why. Your reputation ultimately determines your future opportunities. This is because others' perception of you precedes you before you even enter the room. You may not even be given an opportunity if your reputation has negative connotations. On the other hand, bad reputations often stem from one of three reasons: your attitude, behavior, or lack of professionalism. However, sometimes an error can hang around and harm your reputation. You could be known as someone who is abrasive, a gossip, or even a slacker.

Section 3: Online Exploitation

3.1: How can you prevent online exploitation?

Online exploitation is utilizing their authority online to allow youngsters to engage in sexual or illegal actions online is known as online sexual exploitation. On social media sites, dating sites, and a variety of other platforms, people are sexually exploited online. It might be difficult for law enforcement organizations to keep up with the technology employed by criminals in some circumstances. The criminal may act alone or with others to do indecent acts. Here's what you and your parents can do to prevent online exploitation. You should discuss the dangers of online child sexual exploitation with your child. Tell your child which areas of his or her body are private. Teach children about the importance of boundaries. Tell them how to cope with those who are suspicious on the internet. To avoid online exploitation, you must master a variety of useful strategies. Take safeguards before allowing your child to access the internet. The first step is to speak with and teach your child. You must be well-informed about your child's online activity. You can use iKeyMonitor to keep track of your child's internet activity. If you notice any issues, talk to your child about them and come up with a solution. When it comes to protecting your child against online child sexual exploitation, there are a number of useful solutions available. Installing a decent monitoring software is the best option. Child sexual exploitation on the internet is becoming commonplace. As a result, you must be aware of your child's online activity and take appropriate action when necessary.

3.2: Who is targeted?

Anyone can be put in danger. Age, social status, and education don't always matter as much as we used to think, and we've seen everyone from young men and women with learning disabilities to adults in well-respected professions become radicalized. What is apparent is that the more susceptible a person is, the more easily they can be influenced.

3.3: What are the dangers/pitfalls of online exploitation?

Simply put, child sexual exploitation occurs when a young person under the age of 18 is pressured or tricked into performing a sexual act in exchange for something. However, it is less straightforward to understand that in many cases, abuse begins as part of a seemingly good relationship. The attacker will be seen by the young person as a friend, and in certain cases as their lover or girlfriend. The abuser may go out of their way initially to make the young person feel loved and wanted, a process known as grooming. They'll treat their victim like a grown-up, lavishing tenderness and attention on them. However, the abuser may become dominating towards their victim over time. They can try to put a barrier between them and their family and friends, forcing them to do what they want. To acquire what they want, they may become intimidating or violent. The victim may be bullied or pressured into doing things they don't want to do without even realising it.