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raising awareness about digital media 

how can YOU use digital media more mindfully?
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Teach others about digital media with the self-guided club program 

Mission

As the world starts to rely more and more on technology and digital resources, it is important to be aware of how to be responsible, mindful, and careful while online. Mind On Media is a project that is working to inform especially teenagers about the uses, dangers, and various aspects of digital media.  

Platforms

Mind On Media spreads awareness about digital media on multiple platforms:

Instagram
Sources

The information about digital media provided by Mind on Media is credited, but not limited, to the following sources: 

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Who are we

Self-Guided Club Program

What is it?

Mind on Media's self-guided club program is for teenagers who want to teach others about digital media, and in doing so, learn more about it themselves. The club program will cover various digital media topics including instant messaging and communications, physical and mental health effects, online reputation and digital footprint, social media, privacy, and reliability of sources.  

How does it work?

Here are the responsibilities of a club leader: 
  • Identify and contact possible club members 

  • Communicate with your members to determine when you will hold your 8 meetings

  • Read through the meeting materials created and provided by Mind on Media and follow the club program plan 

  • Reach out to your club members and peers about becoming a club leader  

Here is what Mind on Media has already done for club leaders:
  • Email drafts for reaching out to prospective members and club leaders 

  • Club meeting plan to help with program completion 

  • Club meeting materials including slideshows, surveys, and other activities 

  • Instructional videos giving leadership and presentation tips and explaining each digital media topic  

Club program

What is digital media

Digital media connects people through the sharing of information, direct communication, and collaboration with text, audio, image, video, and other digital sources

Digital communication

There are many different ways to communicate online including texting, social media, facetiming, phone calls, and other platforms which connect people together. Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ability to communicate virtually has helped friends and family stay connected and has made times of isolation much easier. As the world continues to rely more and more on digital communication, it is important to understand how to safely engage online and do so with civility. Here are some helpful tips and reminders:

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Remember that someone's true self does not always show through online 

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Be aware of red flags while communication online and confide in a trusted adult or friend when you feel uncomfortable, nervous, or anxious

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When sharing ideas online, remember to stay calm, be open to others' ideas, focus on others' ideas and not their character, and listen to understand. Just because you cannot see someone's reaction to a comment, it does not mean that they are not affected by it

social media

About 90% of teens use social media

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About 51% of teens visit a social media platform at least once daily 

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Positives:

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Can be used to create a positive digital footprint

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Lead to more communication

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Showcase creativity

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Keeping in touch with friends and family 

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Can promote civil engagement

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Negatives:

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Can lead to cyberbullying

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Increase FOMO 

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Lower self-esteem

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Tips:

Reflect on how much time you spend on social media per day and if it ever distracts you from school work, sleep, or other activities

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Understand how social media does not fully portray one's actual life

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Remember that you are worth more than your amount of likes, followers, comments, or shares!

Privacy

Many websites use cookies to collect information about you to personalize your experience on their site by saving shopping cart information, website logins, recent searches, and more. Cookies can hold information about your browsing history which can contribute to your digital footprint, so it is important to be aware of which apps and websites use cookies. 

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Tips for internet privacy:

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Use strong passwords

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Use a private browser

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Use a private network (VPN) when in a public space 

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Do not click on links sent to you that contain banking information; directly contact your bank if you receive these suspicious banking messages

 

Do not ignore software updates because they often contain anti-virus software 

digital media and physical health

EYES

Almost 60% of Americans have symptoms of digital eye strain (DES), which occurs after 2+ hours of looking at a screen 

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Tips:

Sit an arms-length away from your screen

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reduce glare with a darker background

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Don't forget to blink!

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Every 20 minutes look 20 feet away for 20 seconds

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SLEEP

Blue light from screens has the greatest impact on our circadian rhythms and 48% of Americans look at a screen within an hour of going to sleep 

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Tips:

Silence alerts and notifications at night

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Plan for 30 minutes of screen-free time before bed

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Don't change your device in your bedroom 

information

Sources

Washington Post

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Smart Social

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WhatisMyIPAddress.com

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Future Marketing

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Maryville University

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Forbes

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Pew Research

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Sprout Social

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Statista

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American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

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Rally Health

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Sources
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