originally posted on 29-06-2015 10:04 PM

Have a good night everyone.

 

Thanks guys!

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:58 PM

So basically here is what happened tonight:

 

The internet seems like a place where you can do anything: you can meet people from all over the world, get anything at the press of a button/click of a mouse, and you can stay in touch with family and friends wherever you go. It’s not all happy fun times though – not every website is safe and secure, and people think that they have a licence to be as rude as they want behind the anonymity of the internet.

 

That doesn’t mean that online friendships can never happen – in fact, you guys seem to think that they can be just as real and valid of friendships as they would be if you met IRL. Online friendships can be just as true if you feel like you are connecting with another person, even if you can’t see the other person

 

But what about social media as a tool for change? It can be a useful platform for people to get on board with social issues and pushing for change, and people who can’t do activism in the traditional way can just use the internet to get their ideas and issues out. However, that doesn’t mean all online activism is great and effective – they can be hijacked by corporate interests and have their impact or meaning dampened, or people may see tweeting or sharing as their sole method of activism without pushing consistently for change.

 

You all seem to be pretty savvy about staying safe online – you all try not to overshare and are careful with what you say and to whom. You also highlighted the importance of protecting your phone, as a way to prevent strangers from finding your location or having sensitive information revealed if it happens to get lost or stolen. The general idea: be careful what you put out, because it is there forever.

 

Unfortunately, not all of us were super socially savvy online. We all had that point on FB where our photos were embarrassing and we liked a bunch of silly pages. Some of us also learned to stay safe online the tricky way, through posting inappropriate pictures, or went through some scary times with strangers online. The one thing we had in common was that social media wasn’t always a smooth or cool ride

 

But that doesn’t mean amazing awesome stuff doesn’t happen on the internet!! From meeting new people, finding new jobs and even finding the mental health support and information you were looking for, the internet can be awesome sometimes!! Case in point: our very own ReachOut!! Shout out to all the amazing people on here, you guys rock!!

 

So what’s the best way to be a good online citizen? In short, make the internet as positive of a space as you can! Don’t be the one to post negative or trolling comments or posts, and if you can share something that would make someone smile or send them a nice message or comment. Respect one another, and don’t say anything online that you wouldn’t say to someone in person (or to your own mother). And of course, be yourself!!

 

Thanks for coming out everyone!! And thank you to @Chessca_H for co-hosting this GR Session tonight. You’ve all been excellent, and I hope you all have a great rest of your day/night!! 

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:57 PM

@j95 lol

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:55 PM

@ruenhonx masturdating!! Excellent!!

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:54 PM

@stonepixie thanks for coming out!!

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:54 PM

Lastly, what’s one thing you’ve seen online today that made you smile/LOL?

 

Probably these pictures of Jackie Chan holding Golden Retriever pups:

 

 

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:53 PM

Lastly, what’s one thing you’ve seen online today that made you smile/LOL?
I saw some tattoo fails

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:48 PM

@stonepixie yes to being your authentic self!! The internet should be a place where you can express yourself

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:46 PM

@ruenhonx yes!! Such a simple word but for some people online it doesn't seem to be important

originally posted on 29-06-2015 9:44 PM

Sometimes people behave online in ways they would never offline, which unfortunately isn’t a great thing in many cases. If you had to give one piece of advice about how to be a good online citizen what would it be?
Don't say anything you wouldn't say to your mother