Civil behavior on social media

In the digital age, communicating, shopping, and sharing information online has become a daily habit for millions of people. Therefore, behaving respectfully on social media is not only a matter of politeness but also an important factor in demonstrating that you are a responsible digital citizen .

Being a responsible digital citizen means knowing how to use technology correctly, safely, and intelligently. When you understand this concept, you will know how to respect others, protect yourself, and contribute to building a more positive online environment . In the context of an increasingly complex online space, cultivating proper behavior is essential.

How can I become a good digital citizen?

To use the internet responsibly and respectfully, you can keep these simple principles in mind:

• Respect others.
  Always behave politely, avoid heated arguments or insulting others. If you see someone being bullied online, speak up appropriately or report it to the platform.

• Keep yourself safe.
  Protect your personal data and devices. Do not share sensitive information with strangers or untrustworthy websites.

• Active technological support
  Encourage the healthy use of new technologies and make the internet accessible to everyone, especially those who are less fortunate.

Through small but meaningful actions, you are contributing to building a safer, more positive, and more civilized online environment every day.

Part 1: Civil Conduct Online: 3 Essential Principles

Principle 1: Behave respectfully online.

Maintaining politeness in online communication not only demonstrates civility but also helps build a positive image of yourself. Follow these guidelines to properly express yourself online :

• Be polite and respectful to others.
  Always speak politely, avoiding harsh, offensive, or provocative language. Refrain from using negative words that could hurt others.

• Avoid sarcasm and satire.
  Online, readers can't see your facial expressions or emotions, so sarcastic remarks can easily be misinterpreted and cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

• Avoid excessive arguments.
  If there are disagreements, discuss them calmly, avoiding arguments or personal attacks.

• Say no to cyberbullying.
  If you see someone being bullied, speak up to protect them or report it to the platform. At the same time, encourage the victim and make it clear that bullying is unacceptable.

• Spreading civilized behavior
  Be a role model in your behavior and be willing to share and guide others to build a positive online environment together.

By simply starting with politeness each day, you are contributing to creating a healthy, safe, and trustworthy online environment for everyone.

Principle 2: Behave politely and safely on social media.

To become a responsible social media user, you need to remember some important principles of online conduct and communication:

1. Behave in a civilized and polite manner online.

• Always be polite and courteous in all online conversations.

• Set a good example for others by behaving appropriately and being willing to share your knowledge of civilized communication.

• Minimize the use of sarcasm , as the lack of body language or tone makes it easy to misinterpret.

• Don't escalate disagreements – avoid offensive, negative, or aggressive language.

• Never participate in cyberbullying . If you witness it, speak up to protect the victim and oppose the wrongdoing.

2. Share information correctly and safely.

• Digital communication is becoming increasingly common, but you need to be cautious about what you post.

• Do not share personal information such as your current location, name/school/workplace, phone number, income, or anything that could endanger yourself or others.

• Keep personal feelings private – don't post negative thoughts about work, relationships, or conflicts online. Important conversations should take place in person or in private.

By maintaining proper behavior and controlling the information you share, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to building a healthy, safe, and positive online environment for the community.

Principle 3: Respect the law when using the internet.

The online world is not "lawless." Any online activity you engage in can be subject to legal accountability. Therefore, as a responsible digital citizen, you need to understand the regulations related to digital technology and act in accordance with the law.

Things to remember to comply with the law online:

• Do not steal data, money, intellectual property, or the identity of others.

• Do not destroy other people's digital assets such as their data, personal information, accounts, or content they create.

• Do not download pirated games, music, movies, or software from illegal sources.

• Do not create malware, malicious programs, or insecure websites.

• Do not send spam – do not post the same content repeatedly, as this is annoying to others.

Additional note:
Thoroughly research copyright, fair use rights , and related regulations before using or sharing any digital content. Be especially cautious when using peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms, as they often carry legal risks.

Part 2: How You Can Become an Inspirational Figure in the Digital Age

Step 1: Encourage the use of new technologies and enhance digital literacy.

Technology is constantly changing, and to avoid falling behind, we need to proactively learn and support others in accessing new technologies. This is a crucial part of the journey to becoming a responsible digital citizen .

How can we promote the proper use of new technologies?

• Self-learning and knowledge sharing
  Learn about new technologies and their practical applications. Then, guide your family, friends, or colleagues on how to use them effectively.

• Continuously update your digital skills.
  Recognizing that technology is constantly changing – from devices and software to online platforms – knowing how to use it effectively is an essential skill in modern life.

• Support for teachers and schools
  Teachers today need regular training to integrate technology into their teaching. You can contribute by:

  • Call the school nearest you to ask if they have plans to enhance students' digital skills.

  • Schools are encouraged to utilize free teaching materials available online.

Suggested helpful resources:
The New York City Department of Education has released the "Citizenship in the Digital Age" series – a comprehensive guide to digital citizenship, including curriculum from kindergarten to 12th grade, completely free of charge.

Step 2: Ensure access to digital technology for everyone.

Digital access refers to the ability of individuals to participate in society through electronic means such as the internet, digital devices, and online services. In the digital age, ensuring everyone has access to technology is a crucial part of building a fair and modern society.

What can you do to improve access to technology for the community?

• Communicate in a friendly and open manner online.
  Let's create a positive and accessible online environment for everyone – especially those who are new to technology or have difficulty using digital devices.

• Supporting equitable public policies on technology.
  Lobbying local authorities to invest in:

  • Public internet is free or inexpensive.

  • Shared technology equipment in libraries, schools, or community centers.

  • Opportunities to learn digital skills are available to people of all ages, regions, and backgrounds.

• Donate used equipment that is still in good condition.
  If you have a phone, computer, or tablet that you no longer use, please donate it to a library, school, or social organization that needs it.

• Join the volunteer program.
  Contribute to non-profit organizations that support technology adoption, especially in remote areas or for low-income individuals.

Access to technology shouldn't be the privilege of a select few. Every small action you take – from sharing and donating to speaking up – helps move society closer to achieving digital equality for all.

Step 3: Become aware of your rights and responsibilities in the digital environment.

In the digital world, everyone has the right to freely access, share, and express their opinions. However, rights come with responsibilities . Understanding one's own rights and responsibilities – as well as respecting the rights of others – is key to becoming a responsible digital citizen .

Things you need to remember:

• Understand your rights.
  You have the freedom to express your opinions and access most public websites, as long as it does not violate the law or harm others.

• Respect the rights of others.
  Even if you disagree, you still need to respect differences. Don't harass, insult, or impose your views on others online.

• Share knowledge in a positive way.
  If you see someone who doesn't understand or is violating their digital rights and responsibilities, gently remind them or guide them to behave appropriately.

• Engage in healthy discussions about digital citizenship.
  Let your voice be heard in conversations about rights, responsibilities, and ethics in the use of technology. This will help shape how society approaches and uses technology in the future.

The right to use the internet and technology is for everyone – but to maintain a civilized and safe online environment, each person needs to fulfill their digital responsibilities consciously and proactively.

Part 3: Safe Online Transactions: Tips to Avoid Being Scammed While Shopping

Step 1: Keep your personal information and devices safe when using the Internet.

Digital security is crucial for protecting yourself and your personal data when using technology. Proactive risk prevention will help you avoid information loss, device damage, or becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Things you should do to ensure digital security:

• Install antivirus software.
  Always equip your computer, phone, or any internet-connected device with protective software.

• Be careful when opening emails and clicking on links.
  Do not open attachments or click on links from strangers. These could be scams designed to steal your information.

• Back up your data regularly.
  Store important data in multiple secure locations such as external hard drives, the cloud, USB drives, etc., to prevent loss.

• Protect the device from electrical faults.
  Use surge protectors, especially during bad weather or thunderstorms, to prevent damage to your appliances.

• Protecting personal information
  Be cautious with identity-related information such as ID card numbers, bank account details, passwords, etc. Absolutely do not share them publicly online.

Staying digitally safe not only protects yourself but also others and shared digital assets. Develop safe habits starting with small actions every day when using the internet.

Step 2: Protect your health when using technology devices.

Spending hours sitting at a computer or using a phone can subtly impact your health – both physical and mental. Therefore, as a responsible digital citizen , you not only need to protect your information but also pay attention to your health while living in a digital environment.

Common health risks associated with excessive technology use:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  This is due to prolonged and repetitive use of the mouse or keyboard.

• Eye strain
  Staring at a screen for too long, especially in poor lighting conditions.

• Poor posture
  Improper sitting posture can cause back pain, neck and shoulder pain, and affect the spine.

• Internet addiction
  Spending too much time online negatively impacts real life and mental well-being.

• Repetitive stress syndrome
  This is due to the repetition of the same body movements, commonly seen in the arms, neck, and shoulders.

How to protect your health in the digital world:

• Take a break after every 30–60 minutes of using the device.

• Perform gentle stretching exercises for your arms, eyes, and shoulders.

• Maintain proper posture and use chairs and tables that are the appropriate height.

• Balance your time online and offline – prioritize physical activity and face-to-face interaction.

• Self-regulate your use of social media, games, or addictive digital content.

Healthcare is essential for the sustainable use of technology. Don't let the digital world steal your balance – live smart, proactive, and healthy!

Step 3: Participate in online buying and selling safely and responsibly.

E-commerce is becoming increasingly popular, making it easy to buy and sell goods online. However, you need to be cautious and vigilant to avoid risks, scams, or legal violations.

Things to note when participating in online buying and selling:

• Do your research before you buy.
  Only choose products and services that are permitted to be sold and comply with the laws and regulations of your place of residence.

• Choose a reputable seller.
  Buy from reputable websites and online stores with positive customer reviews.

• Avoid shady transactions or prohibited goods.
  Some items are not legally permitted for sale in many countries. Please ensure you are not violating any laws when engaging in transactions.

• Protecting personal and financial information.
  Ensure secure payment methods and do not share card or account information with unknown individuals.

Digital commerce is an inevitable trend, but you should always be a smart and responsible consumer. This helps protect your rights and contributes to building a transparent and safe online buying and selling environment.

Translated by Leigh Kennedy Ly .