Often the line between right and wrong behaviour online seems blurred, but is it really harder than offline behaviour to know if you're acting in a positive way?
Should I share that unflattering photo of my friend on Facebook? Is it okay to download a song I don’t have rights to? Is this news or just gossip? The online world constantly calls upon us to make ethical decisions like these. Consciously choosing which action to take will help you embrace the digital world.
Tagged photos, blog posts and social networking interactions will all shape how you are perceived by others online and offline, both now and in the future.
For all the damage a bad online reputation can do, it is equally true that honest, positive, and respectful posts, pictures, and participation can also enhance reputation. It is important for online users to consider their digital footprint, and their passive digital footprint—what trail are you leaving when you use the internet?
Engaging positively can help create a safer and overall better digital world. The first step to becoming a good digital citizen is knowing your digital world. A good digital citizen is a person with the skills and knowledge to effectively use digital technologies to participate in society, communicate with others and create and consume digital content without harming or offending others. By taking ownership in online communities, it is expected that we will act more responsibly.
The three core principles that responsible digital citizens should practice are:
ENGAGE positively
KNOW your online world
CHOOSE consciously