Online Safety: An Open Letter to Kandi Kids

felixforsure 5/2/2022 07:25 pm 596

I would like to preface this post by saying I am not a moderator for this site, or an expert on the ideas I am about to discuss. I am in no way trying to diminish the hard work of those that run this site, I genuinely admire the work you do and it's clear you all care about the members here. I just think everyone that is active in the forums on this site, specifically the young kiddos, can benefit from some of the things I’m explaining in this post.

In the last couple of months, I have seen many people on this site taking part in harmful behavior that can put themselves and those around them in danger. I thought I would make a post about some core ideas everyone should keep in mind when they are traversing this site's public forums and any others like it. I am in no way trying to make anyone feel targeted, upset, or shamed. I am not writing this post with any user in particular in mind, and I don't want anyone to feel that they are being vague posted about. This is simply something that has been on my mind for months, and I think we can all benefit from a refresher on internet safety.

It's Best to Not Vent in a PUBLIC Online Setting: While you should never feel ashamed from seeking comfort and advice for the things you are struggling with, doing so in a public forum post can put you in incredible danger. While most want to believe everyone on the internet has the best intentions at heart, the sad truth is a notable amount do not. It's important to keep the things that upset you between you and those that you trust, and not strangers on the internet. Posting detailed descriptions of the things that made you upset is like dangling bait in front of those that want to hurt you. Opening up to people you know online in a private chat is one thing, but posting potentially triggering material to the masses in a forum is another. If you’re struggling mentally, try to reach out to a trusted adult in your life, or a friend. If this is not possible for you, there are many resources online and over the phone that can help you that are free, and confidential.

Do Not Tell Others Personal Information: You shouldn't ask to meet up with people you don't know in a forum post, and don’t tell others where you live. If you wouldn’t share this information with the person next to you in line at the store, don’t do it online.

The Internet Is Forever: I’m sure you all have heard this one a million times. Since the moment you opened a computer at school, the idea of your “digital footprint” has most likely been ingrained into your mind. As redundant and annoying as these ideas are, they are true, and important. Be mindful about what you say and post online, and always be kind to those around you. If what you want to post could potentially trigger or harm others, perhaps it's best to keep it to yourself or to the confines of a private chat room setting. That being said, you shouldn’t be afraid to be yourself online, but if your safety and wellbeing is ever at risk because of what you may post, it's usually best to not make it accessible to the masses in an online public setting.

Do Not Look For a Partner in a Public Forum: This is not a huge issue from what I have seen, but it’s still something that happens. Having an online partner is okay, but you should not be taking applications in a public forum post. Predators are out there, and want to hurt you, so keep yourself safe and only ask to be partners with those that you know and trust. Stranger Danger applies to online spaces as much as it does to real life ones. You should never feel ashamed for wanting a romantic partner, but this is not a dating site, and many forums like it aren’t either.

While the internet can be a fun and silly place to be, it's important to remember that it can be just as dangerous as the real world. As a young adult on this site, I genuinely adore all the creativity the kiddos here have to offer, but that creativity should never come at the expense of your safety.

TL;DR: Be safe online. Don't publicly discuss the things that make you upset, and be weary of the true intentions of those around you online. Don't share your personal information to those you don't know, and be mindful about what you say online. If you could potentially trigger someone with the post you want to make, its best to not post it. Having fun and being silly on the internet is what it makes it so unique, but your safety is more important than these things.