Play 'It' Safe
Play 'It' Safe
  • Natasha Willhite, US Correspondent of Korea IT Tim
  • 승인 2011.06.23 07:23
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Minnesota, USA -June 22, 2011 - Although it may be entertaining to see reports of high-profile people behaving in inappropriate ways online, it is not as funny when it involves you or someone else you love. Let's face it. We all have the same mentality as these people, since we also do not think that anyone will care enough to leak information of any of our uninteresting online activities. Even though there may not be as much reason for people to reveal this information, it is still important to protect your reputation online. We officially know that this will come back to haunt you; particularly when it comes to employment -unfortunately you will not have the option of former congressman Weiner who went on a 'break' only to be followed by resignation.

There are a few assumptions you must make when doing anything online. If these are in the back of your mind at all times, you are less likely to slip up and make the trending mistake of 'revealing' something that you do not want others to see.

Let's assume that:

1. Nothing is private

It may be sickening to hear this over and over again. However, it is important that everyone understands that everything from private messages on Facebook to private e-mails are never truly private. There is nothing that prevents them from being seen by others and spread around. You may trust the person on the other end, yet that is not the only person you need to watch out for -there are hackers and other such people who get joy from redistributing anything controversial. Do not let yourself fall victim to this.

2. Friends like to gossip

Age is not much of a factor in this, so it is unsafe to assume that the older a person gets, the less likely he or she will want to partake in gossip. As humans, we like to hear about others' business whether we admit it or not; we have a curiosity that is not satisfied until we discover the craziest information possible. There is nothing more boring than a person who seems perfect; there is nothing more exciting than being the one who opens a can of worms on that 'perfect' individual. As much as someone could be a 'friend', they are also human, so we must realize that anything we do could be forwarded to others -this time there is 'evidence' since there's a digital trail.

3. Security is no security at all

Sometimes we like to assume that since our accounts have passwords and high privacy settings, nothing will be leaked out. Unfortunately the internet is not perfect, so there are slip-ups. We should already know this by numerous famous hacks. Then again, we suffer from the mentality that we are not as important as these big-name people or companies so we do not see ourselves as a potential target. Remember: do not get too comfortable with anything -especially when it comes to the internet.

4. Growing friends lists means more potential 'exposure'

You may be one of those individuals who has thousands of friends or followers on social networks. We love to 'collect' friends and watch their every move. Just remember that if you become a 'victim' to redistribution of any material, all of these people may be the first to get it. It is like a huge chain that grows into a bigger nightmare. Perhaps you should consider cutting back on the people you add as friends because it could lead to a bigger problem. Plus, who talks with this many people anyways

5. The saying: "A picture speaks a thousand words"

If you have ever thought about sending pictures to anyone -no matter what's inside it - think again. It could be great ammunition for gossip. There is no way to deny a picture when it has you in it. Honestly, the 'look-a-like' argument will not go very far. Who has a 'double' other than actors and actresses

6. Correspondence is never between only two people

I know that people are not naïve and they understand others could potentially read or view anything they send online. For this reason, we must always be careful. Even after we delete any correspondence, it is still out there for others to see. You may consider getting into the habit of keeping a copy of all your correspondence-- it could serve you in the future to prove someone's innocence or guilt.

7. Online activities have consequences as well

Sometimes, people believe that doing something online is not as bad as doing it in 'real life'. Think again, everything can have the same consequences. Actually, if someone confirms wrongdoing online, it can be used against them in criminal proceedings. Do you want your digital life to cause problems in your everyday life The recent riots in Vancouver, Canada after the Stanley Cup Playoffs illustrate this example perfectly. Over 100 people have been arrested due to pictures being posted on social networking sites and have lost such things as their jobs, and even scholarships as a result.



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