Internet use is tied closely to how we live our lives. So much so, that access to the internet has been declared a human right. And like all rights, one must exercise reasonable restraint while using the internet – to protect one’s own interests and those of others.

To this end, it is our responsibility to ensure that we are ethical and conscious of our actions while using the platform the internet provides. Not only do we have infinite sources of knowledge at our fingertips, but we are able to broadcast this information globally and to connect with other individuals with shared interests and opinions. In such a situation, awareness of the veracity of the information we share, and of the effects of our words and actions on others can go a long way. Some things to keep in mind:

Kindness

Hateful thoughts or articles that put others down don’t disappear into a void once they are shared on the internet. Though it may seem like things we say on the internet are directed at faceless people who are far away, our actions can impact very real people who are at the receiving end. Just like the real world, the internet can be filled with ugliness. In the way that we try to build a better physical world for our children, we must also do so on the internet, a place where they will spend much of their time. We can do so by being kind and empathetic to the people we see on the internet and standing up for those who are being bullied or harassed.

Mindfulness

Doomscrolling has become a common phenomenon today, especially amongst young people – there is so much bad news out there and so much of the hate and anger on the internet spills out into the real world. By being mindful of what we say and share, we avoid playing a part in someone else’s distress. Think – will this content help anyone? Will it trigger anxieties or traumatic memories? Does it have any value outside potentially increasing engagement on my social media accounts? Can I brighten someone’s day by sharing something more positive? If you do see value in sharing content that may be triggering, remember to use content and trigger warnings.

Fact Checking

Not everything on the internet is true. Some information may be manipulated, inaccurate, or simply malicious. Given how far and wide internet networks spread, instances of misinformation can have a ripple effect. Further, disinformation, or the deliberate spreading of false information to control political or cultural narratives is a common practice today. Make sure that the sources of the information you share are legitimate and reliable. Don’t be a party to creating a false world for someone’s agenda.

Consent

Sharing our lives is a big part of community-building today. This includes images of our experiences and the people we spend time with. When we share images of others, it is essential they are aware of where these images are being posted and for what purpose. Consent is an integral pillar in building a safe, inclusive and respectful space on the internet.

For instance, how many times have you seen this happen? –  Witnesses to a terrible accident pull out their phones and record wordlessly instead of helping the individual in trouble. Most are likely not members of the press, and as regular members of society, what use could they possibly have for such visuals except to share them on social media? Videos or images of accidents, attacks, or disasters, and visuals of grieving loved ones flood the internet, with no concern for the privacy of these persons or what they are experiencing. Sharing people’s trauma without their consent or in forms that can only be described as voyeuristic is not only disrespectful, but a violation of their rights. Just as we are, other people too are entitled to live their lives with dignity, without being reduced to content-cycle fodder or a WhatsApp forward.

This brings us to the question of integrity and the need to tell stories right.

Integrity

Story telling is innately human and has been an invaluable evolutionary tool. In sharing our stories and those of others, we build collective memory and community. One cannot pretend that the world is a beautiful place where nothing bad ever happens. And the lessons, even from bad experiences, become a part of our collective repository in some way. Not only that, when we tell our own, or someone else’s stories, we may also be helping others with similar experiences feel seen or not alone. Those fortunate enough not to have had such experiences are also able to develop empathy for those who have.

It is normal to want to embellish a story to make it more memorable or entertaining, but in sharing some experiences, we must be conscious to maintain the integrity of such stories. We must tell them well and with respect for those it may affect. Not everything should become clickbait or a means for social media engagement.

Inflammatory content

We are but political and social creatures. And unlike ever before in our history, we have access to platforms that enable us, not only to have one-on-one interactions with others, but also to broadcast information to large numbers of people at once. Though we have the ability to share, without restraint, every thought that crosses our mind, should we do so? This is a deeply personal decision, of course, but we must keep in mind that we hold within us multitudes, and even on platforms built along shared interests or experiences, there will be values that differ. Whether we share on large groups, controversial or inciting political or religious beliefs that may aggravate or potentially hurt others is a decision that must not be taken lightly. Perhaps some debates are best had on one-on-one channels with minimal casualties. Weigh the possibilities of damaging precious relationships when you post messages that might incite fear, anger or retaliation. If someone posts a content that may seem to be irritating or inciting to you, do not get yourself dragged into an uncomfortable situation by posting damaging replies. Step back and use the internet from a calmer space.

-Article by Gauri Anand