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Who Is Your Friend On The Internet?



In the following video, Nettie and Webster from NetSmartz introduce you to three people who could be your possible friends on the internet. Listen to each contestent closely so you are able to make a wise decision as to who could be your friend.

Who's Your Friend On the Internet?

Did you pick the right friend? If no, why not? What does this tell you about friends on the internet?

There are differences between online friends and face-to-face friends. Friends that you know and talk to face-to-face are much more transparent than friends you meet online. With face-to-face friends, you can tell about how old they are, if they are a boy or a girl, what color hair they have, and so on. But, can you really tell these things for sure when you are talking to someone you only know over the internet? Well, have you ever lied on the internet, perhaps about your age or what your name is or what you look like? At one point or another, most people do. And, if it is easy for you to lie on the internet, it is just as easy for others to lie. So, what can you do? Having a couple of ideas ready to go will prepare you for a situation where you might feel uncomfortable. Read the Talking Safely Online scenario from Common Sense Media. Put yourself into Sita's shoes and try to think how she should answer. Jot down what you come up with and be prepared to discuss the next time we meet.

Choose 3 of these situation cards from pages 2-4 of the NetSmartz PDF and discuss them with your parents or another trusted adult. If you don't remember the WizzyWig characters from the last couple of years, please review them on pages 8-12 of the PDF. Write down the main points of your discussion, check them with the situation answer cards on pages 5-7, and bring them the next time we meet. Between our discussion about Sita, the situation card discussions you have, and other scenarios we will discuss in class, you will have ideas and be prepared to say and do the correct thing if you feel like an online friend may not be a real friend.


 * It is OK to be friends with people online, but if you do not know them face-to-face you have to be careful and remember they might not be telling you the truth.**