Digital norms and responsibilities by Monica Flathman

Rights of online users should include the privacy, safety and freedom of speech; however, in order to gain privacy and ensure safety, users must use best practices when posting information. For one, they need to be taught not to provide details that might threaten their safety or provide information that could impact their identity. Also, while students have freedom of speech, they must be aware of violating another’s freedoms. Users cannot post information that is not valid or founded and claim it as their opinion without the possibility of repercussions. In addition, users must be aware of their “digital footprint” in that what they post or research cannot be erased. Therefore it is essential to see that rights walk hand in hand with responsibilities. Users must be responsible for their internet activities. They cannot defame someone or something and must follow a code of ethics as they would when dealing with someone through any other medium.