Online Behaviour

Introduction

Welcome to our insightful module on "Online Behaviour". This compelling course aims to arm you with vital understanding and skills regarding online conduct, with an emphasis on maintaining safety, privacy and a responsible digital presence.

Course Overview

The focus areas that will shape this module include understanding Online Harassment, differentiating between Online Identity versus Offline Identity, Awareness of Digital Footprint, Social Media Safety, Online Ethics, as well as mastering Netiquette - etiquette in the digital world. These key areas are significant in shaping responsible digital citizens.

  1. Online Harassment

    We'll delve into different forms of online harassment, including Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking. Definitions will be provided to help differentiate these terms. We'll also explore steps to adopt if you are a victim or observe such actions, and potential consequences of this behaviour. By grasping these topics, you'll be equipped to understand, navigate, and address online harassment situations effectively.

  2. Online Identity versus Offline Identity

    Your online identity refers to the image you portray on digital platforms. This segment includes learning the significance of maintaining a consistent identity across all platforms as well as managing how you are perceived online.

  3. Awareness of Digital Footprint

    A digital footprint refers to the "tracks" left behind by interactions in a digital environment, from social media usage to online purchasing behaviour. The aim here is to assist you in monitoring your online presence and maintaining a positive digital reputation.

  4. Social Media Safety

    Gain knowledge about the ins and outs of maintaining safety online. Strategies will include strong password use, sharing discretion, understanding privacy settings, among others. These skills will prove vital in safeguarding your information online.

  5. Netiquette

    Short for network etiquette, this topic covers the dos and don’ts of online communication. This relates not only to conversational conduct but also to how you structure formal emails or online job applications.

  6. Ethics Online

    A slight shift from understanding netiquette, this topic focuses on the principles of ethical conduct in the digital space. Here, we tackle the moral implications of our online actions, refining your understanding of being an upright digital citizen.

In each topic, the course will provide definitions, real-life examples, discuss different scenarios, and provide tips to help you navigate the digital world. This knowledge shapes students into not only safe internet users but also into responsible, ethical, and respectful digital citizens. The practical applications are endless as our lives continue to interweave with the digital world, whether it is in online communication, building a professional presence, or using the internet responsibly.

Course Goals:

  1. Understand, identify, and respond to online harassment
  2. Recognize the distinction between online and offline identities and manage online persona responsibly
  3. Develop awareness around digital footprints and building a positive online reputation
  4. Understand the importance of safety while using social media platforms
  5. Learn the principles of netiquette for respectful online communication
  6. Determine what it means to behave ethically online, and the potential consequences of ethical violations

Course Objectives:

  1. By the end of the course, students will be able to accurately define and distinguish between different forms of online harassment, including cyberbullying and cyberstalking.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to take appropriate action when witnessing or experiencing online harassment, and understand the potential consequences of such behaviors.
  3. Students will develop a clear understanding of the concept of online and offline identity and will be capable of curating their online presence in a mindful and responsible manner.
  4. Students will demonstrate understanding of what constitutes a digital footprint, along with the tools and techniques for maintaining a positive online reputation.
  5. By the end of the course, students will be able to practice good social media safety habits & implement measures to protect their personal information online.
  6. Students will learn and apply the principles of netiquette in various online communication contexts, and demonstrate good etiquette in digital interaction.
  7. Finally, students will effectively distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors online, understand the implications of each, and demonstrate the ability to make ethical decisions in online environments.

The Importance of this Module

In today's digital age, our lives are intrinsically tied to online interactions. This module, "Online Behaviour," is fundamental to navigating the online world responsibly and safely. The Internet can be a minefield of potential dangers, from cyberbullying and cyberstalking to identity misrepresentation and unethical behaviors. Therefore, understanding the risks, implications, and safeguards is crucial.

By providing comprehensive guidelines on various elements such as online harassment, digital footprints, social media safety, netiquette, and online ethics, this module is a beacon of knowledge for both experienced and inexperienced internet users.

For instance, online bullying statistics show that nearly 43% of kids have been bullied online - 1 in 4 has had it occur more than once (DoSomething.org). By studying the 'Cyberbullying' section, individuals can develop the necessary skills to prevent, respond, and mitigate such situations.

Another glaring example is digital footprint awareness. A study from Harvard University showed that 70% of employers rejected candidates based on information they found online. Hence, knowing how to construct and maintain a responsible online identity can have a direct and substantial impact on our lives outside the digital sphere.

Theology of Technology

Stewardship of Technology

In Genesis 1:26-28, God instructs humans to have dominion over the earth and its creatures, thus implying a mandate for technological stewardship. Applying this to our module, it calls users to appropriately control their online behavior and utilize internet technology as a tool to cultivate, maintain, and improve our world and relationships.

Golden Rule of Conduct

Matthew 7:12 exhibits Jesus commanding his followers to treat others as they wish to be treated. When applying this to online behavior, it underlines the need to display respect, kindness, and consideration in all online interactions. From fighting cyberbullying to promoting good netiquette and ethical behavior, this principle is central.

A Christ-centered Perspective

The Principle of Truthfulness

One significant Christological teaching is Jesus' proclamation as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). This mandate for truthfulness is particularly relevant to our online identities versus offline identities. It encourages users to present themselves truthfully online, discouraging deception or false representation.

The Concept of Love

In Mark, 12:30-31, Jesus shares the greatest commandment of loving God and our neighbors as ourselves. Applying this Christ-centered teaching to social media safety, it emphasizes being mindful of the content we share and the way we engage with others, promoting positivity, respect, and societal well-being.

Creation, Fall, Redemption & Restoration

Creating: In line with the biblical theme of creation, our digital world mirrors God’s ingenuity and creativity. It involves us as sub-creators using resources, skills, and intelligence to construct technologies and networks for communication and information exchange. Online behavior, identities, digital footprints, and social media safety highlight the creative aspect of using technology to interact, educate, entertain, and innovate. The ethical principles taught in this module can help us align our creations with God's goodness.

Fall: Just as the perfection of God's creation was marred by sin, the same is observed in our digital environment. Cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and unethical online behavior are indications of how sin distorts our use of technology, leading to harm, deception, and manipulation. The consequences of these negative actions are sobering reminders of the fallenness of our world.

Redemption: Even amidst the fallenness, we can find redemption through technology. It is a tool that, when used wisely and ethically, can facilitate communication, promote learning, boost productivity, and grant accessibility. Social media safety, netiquette, and good online ethics when practiced reminds us of our call to love our neighbors and respect their dignity in the online world. This course module informs and educates us on how to redeem our online interactions, thereby promoting a gospel-centered approach to technology use.

Restoration: As Christians, we look forward to the day of ultimate restoration where all effects of sin will be done away with. Until then, we strive to reflect that future reality in our present world. In the realm of technology, we can contribute to this restoration by fostering an environment of respect, dignity, positivity, and truthfulness. By practicing proper online behavior and ethics, we contribute to a safer, more respectful online community, ultimately paving the way for the glorification of God in all aspects of life, including technology.

This course functions as a tool to guide individuals in using technology for God's glory and for the good of mankind, just as we are all meant to do in our journeys of faith. The content learned opens up a path to transform the negative aspects of the digital landscape into a platform of love, respect, education, positivity, and faith. It directly feeds into fulfilling our mandate as Christians to glorify God in everything we do.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the module on "Online Behaviour" delves into the critical aspects of responsible and safe online conduct. It equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the digital world, protecting themselves and others from online harassment, maintaining a positive online identity, understanding digital footprints, practicing social media safety, following netiquette guidelines, and behaving ethically online.

The importance of this module cannot be overstated, as our lives become increasingly intertwined with the digital realm. With alarming statistics on cyberbullying and the impact of online reputation on employment prospects, it is vital to understand the risks, implications, and safeguards of the online world. By embracing the principles taught in this module, individuals can actively contribute to a safer, more respectful, and ethical digital community.

From a theological perspective, the module aligns with principles of stewardship, treating others as we wish to be treated, truthfulness, and love. By applying these principles to our online behavior, we can reflect Christ-centered values and promote a positive influence in the digital landscape.

Furthermore, the module reflects the themes of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. It acknowledges both the creative potential of technology and the negative outcomes resulting from sin and fallenness. Yet, it also recognizes the redemptive power of technology when used wisely and ethically. By practicing good online behavior and ethics, individuals can contribute to the restoration of the online world, fostering an environment of respect, dignity, positivity, and truthfulness.

Ultimately, this module serves as a tool for individuals to honor God in their digital interactions and contribute to the good of society. By embracing the knowledge and skills provided, individuals can navigate the online world responsibly, protect themselves and others, and actively promote a Christ-centered approach to technology use.


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