Reduce your sarcasm. Since facial expressions and body language cannot be conveyed via text, sarcastic comments can easily be perceived negatively. Do not escalate disagreements. Do not use harsh, crass, or aggressive language. Do not take part in cyber-bulling. Speak up when you witness cyber-bullying. Support the target of the harassment, and acknowledge that those users who are bullying are behaving inappropriately.
Do not post about your vacation plans, your income, and anything that might endanger you or someone else in any way. Do not post about your personal feelings regarding your job or a relationship. Have emotional or important conversations in private with the other people involved.
Do not steal money, intellectual property, or someone else’s identity. Do not damage other people’s work, identity, or online property. Do not download music or movies that were made available illegally. Do not create destructive malware, programs, or websites. Do not send spam.
The New York City Department of Education has made a comprehensive guide called “Citizenship in the Digital Age” that includes lesson plans for grades K-12.
Lobby your local politicians to prioritize public access to the internet and the availability of computer equipment for public use. Support those politicians and community organizers work for these causes. Contribute your unused technological equipment to your local library or a school that can use it. Volunteer with an organization that works to increase digital access.
Contribute to positive, respectful conversations about your rights and responsibilities as a digital citizen to help define the proper use of new technologies as society progresses.
Install virus protection on the equipment you use to go online. Be cautious when opening up email attachments and clicking links. Back up your data, preferably in multiple safe locations. Use a surge protector to protect your equipment from more tangible dangers such as electrical surges during increment weather, etc.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. Eye strain. Poor posture. Internet addiction. Repetitive stress syndrome.
