It’s a new year, and with it comes the promise of a fresh start. Whether you’re looking to improve your digital hygiene habits or just be more mindful of how you use the internet, there are plenty of ways to be a responsible internet user.
Now that you’re done with (and have hopefully received) your Christmas internet wishes, it’s time for your New Year’s resolutions. From being mindful of your online privacy to thinking twice before sharing any content, here are some New Year’s resolution ideas you can use to become a more responsible internet user.
1. Commit to using strong passwords.
Strong passwords are essential for protecting your online accounts from hackers and other malicious attacks. Make 2023 the year you commit to setting up two-factor authentication if it’s an option with the services you use and start creating unique, secure passwords for every account.
2. Stop clicking on suspicious emails or links.
Whether it’s an email claiming your friend needs money or a link that promises free items, be wary of clicking on anything sent by someone you don’t know—or even from someone you do know but doesn’t normally send such messages. Doing so could lead to identity theft or malware installation on your device.
3. Think before you share.
Social media offers a platform to quickly and easily spread news, but it’s important to be sure what you’re sharing is accurate before posting anything. Don’t just blindly copy and paste viral messages or click ‘share’ without doing research into their validity first.
4. Take steps to protect your online privacy.
The internet can feel like an unsafe place if you don’t take steps to protect yourself from data breaches or other cyber threats. Make sure you’re using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) when surfing the web and only visiting secure websites with HTTPS URLs that have locked padlock icons next to them in the address bar.
5. Be mindful of your online presence.
Search engines and social media sites collect a lot of data about you for advertising purposes, but it’s important to be aware of how this data is being used. Consider opting out of targeted advertising or deleting accounts you no longer use to protect your privacy.
6. Think before posting anything controversial.
Whether it’s an opinion, political statement, or joke, consider the potential fallout before hitting ‘post.’ Even if your intentions are harmless, others may interpret them differently, potentially leading to negative reactions in the form of comments or messages on social media platforms.
7. Be respectful to others online.
It’s easy to get caught up in arguments or heated debates when engaging with people on the internet, but it’s important not to be disrespectful of other users. Make sure to stay respectful and civil during conversations and do your best not to offend anyone or engage in trolling behaviour.
Conclusion
By following the New Year’s resolution ideas above for responsible internet use, you can become a more mindful user of the web and help protect yourself from potential risks that come along with using the internet. Here’s to a safe and successful 2023!
