How to Stay Positive Online
The Internet is one of humanity’s most loved and most feared inventions in the past century. While it can help us uncover tons of new information that our ancestors never even thought they could have half of, there are risks to online activity. The Internet can get pretty negative sometimes, and it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of doom scrolling and rants and arguments. With the Internet being further integrated into our lives as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for us all to take some precautions and follow general guidelines to stay positive and healthy online:
1. Be Kind
Part of the equation is you. If the Internet is a negative place, become the driving force that spreads kindness among online users. The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) reminds us that the person behind the username you see on your screen has a lot more layers to them that you may never come to know about. Being rude, even through a single message, can instantly ruin someone else’s day, rub salt in old wounds, or introduce an air of hostility to a chat room. It’s always a good idea to keep the conversation tone amiable and be respectful to everyone you interact with online.
And on the flip side, just because someone online does not know the real you behind your social media account does not mean that you can say whatever you want and expect no consequences. Not only do many web forums and social media platforms have guidelines on civility and content of posts, but disrespecting others can lead to a snowball effect in which you only stay online for the negative events. This negativity, while seemingly amusing in the moment, can easily become self-destructive. Instead, once you start contributing in a way that feels empathetic and approachable, you can help build an online environment where people feel more comfortable and open-minded to new opinions and respect one another.
2. Limit Your Screen Time
Every teenager who is reading this article probably just groaned after reading this tip. I get how you feel; screen time limits set by parents can feel really restrictive sometimes. You have homework due at 11:59 p.m. and you just have to use your phone to text your friend for help with it. But think about it for a second. Is it really a good thing for you to be cramming homework so close to the deadline? While you unpack that issue on your own for now, let the NSPCC convince you that a little time off of your device can keep you in the right mindset when you go back online. Taking regular breaks from being online gives you more time to spend on taking care of your mental health and gives you a fresher lens and clearer mind through which you can approach online content and interactions. Screen time limits can break up relentless doom scrolling and give you the time you need to recuperate.
3. Use It for Good
Perhaps the most important part of staying positive while surfing the web is using it for purposes that are positive. While this doesn’t mean that your entire search history has to be motivational quotes, it does mean that deliberately seeking out positive content online can help you have a better online experience. Some of this content (like funny cat videos) can make you laugh after a bad day, while others may focus on what you can do to grow and improve as an individual. As CNN advised people during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the setting you are in is starting to feel too negative and overwhelming, incorporating positive tips and advice into your life can bring new life to your daily routine and prove to be invigorating motivation for a new and improved you.
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