Cyber Wellness

Using the internet when the computer is being switched on has already become part of our modern lives. “What else can we do if we do not surf the net?” might be what most people might say if we were to ask about their opinions about the absence of the Internet. However it is equally important to know what would be some of the danger we might experience in the midst of having fun online. We need to learn how to protect ourselves when we are using it.

"Cyber Wellness refers to the positive well-being of Internet users and a healthy cyber culture for the Internet community. It involves an understanding of the risks of harmful
online behavior, an awareness of how to protect oneself and others from such behavior, and recognition of the power of the Internet to affect oneself and thecommunity at large.”

In the article on AsiaOne.com, Singaporean teens spend an average of 17.2 hours on the Internet each week, most of them don’t know much about cyber-wellness, defined as being responsible, respectful and rational, as well as being alert to scams and how to protect themselves. This is such a concern as many are not unsure about what’s illegal and what’s not and also about copyrighted laws. I think that Cyber Wellness should be publicised even more to people out there despite their age as long as they are able to learn about the Internet. It is definitely good to inculcate this value to them to let them know about the importance of Cyber Wellness. After all, using the Internet shouldn’t be restricted to only the teenagers or working adults. Housewives can be one the users too! Parents will be a great help in teaching their children about this value as well.

In the passage titled, Empowerment through Information Technology, it says about NIAC believing that no group should be left behind in the information age and that
Internet can be a powerful empowering tool to level the playing field for the disabled
and senior citizens. The disabled has been exposed to IT technology in 2002 and i love the idea od spreading this to them. As the disabled are already lacking in many aspects, they should not miss out one of the needs in our lives which is the Internet. They will be able to overcome their disability and with this, it can open up greater opportunities for them.

No one is too young or too old to learn as long as they have a willing heart. Thus, Cyber Wellness should be taught and brought across to as many people as possible in order to ensure that Internet would be a medium.

-Yongqing!