Blog Post #5 - Digital Etiquette

I don't think students are always aware of others when using technology, especially when using cell phones. Students tend to use their phones at inappropriate times (at the movies, in class) whether it’s talking or texting.  I also think students forget that there are other people around who probably aren't interested in their conversation, which is why they talk louder than usual. 

As far as realizing how students' use of technology affects others; I think they're clueless. I don't think they realize how harmful it can be to post pictures of their friends engaging in inappropriate activities. It doesn't matter if the person who posted the pictures meant no harm; the damage is already done. You can't change it, even if the pictures are removed, they are never completely gone forever. In the case of cyberbullying and posting negative comments and/or pictures of an individual to the point of harassment can cause irreversible damage. This constant abuse through inappropriate emails and texts can affect a person's life, their school, and their community to the point of becoming suicidal. It is more common to be bullied at school, but cases of cyberbullying are increasing. I think students believe it's harder for them to get caught and  easier to write something inappropriate about someone online rather than to tell them to their face.

According to Ribble and Bailey, "by training ourselves to think about how technology might affect others, we can start to make better decisions." (2007) I think that's why it is so important to make students aware of the standards of conduct expected of them. They need to ask themselves; who will read my posts, emails, texts, etc.? and what will happen if I make these comments, feelings, etc. public? By doing so, they will eventually become responsible digital citizens.