iSafe Grade 10
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Video Posting: Choices and Consequences
Digital media is a major part of modern culture. Many technologies allow people to upload and share videos with other viewers including social media, text messages, websites, blogs, video-sharing services, cloud-based services and e-mail. According to YouTube (2015), 300+ hours of video are uploaded to the online service every minute, and 80% of those videos are viewed from mobile devices. Mobile phones and other electronics allow us to conveniently capture video on the spot; sometimes discreetly. YouTube is highly popular in part because of the features it provides allowing users to watch, like, leave comments, share, or discuss the video with others–plus, it’s free to use. Another reason that YouTube is so popular is that people can search and find digital media that relates to their specific needs and interests. People use YouTube for entertainment, learning, and news. Videos are searchable by topic, theme, and the service even suggests similar videos to those that are in the viewer’s history. Apps and websites like YouTube enable people to share digital media with millions of viewers, offering a place to interact in an online environment.
Digital media is a way to be creative and self-expressive. One aspect to consider, however, is that videos posted online may spread quickly to a large audience. For example, Vlogs, like blogs, are regular video posts that focus on a theme or topic. Vlogs entertain, educate, and stimulate discussion with viewers. Many vloggers have become Internet celebrities due to the number of people that follow their channel. Some single videos posted on sites like YouTube have gone viral, receiving millions of views over a short period of time. Another way that people use sites and services like YouTube is to host personal videos or to create portfolios of their work. These videos are stored online for anytime access. Video sharing features on social media are fun and easy to use. However, just as with any other online activity, creators of digital media must be mindful and responsible in what they create and share online.
A digital video is nearly impossible to completely remove once it is on the Internet. Therefore, before posting and sharing digital media, consider the choices that lead to unwanted consequences. “Digital footprint” is a term that describes the traces of information that a person leaves behind when they are active online. A Web search of a person’s name brings up photos, videos, and online profiles; digital footprints that trace back to a person’s online identity. Anything that a person shares online connects with his or her name, forming an identity and affecting his or her reputation. Years from now, college recruiters, scholarship review committees and even future employers might come across the video. Think about the impact that the video might have on relationships and the reputation of the other people in the video.
Consider the feelings of others while creating or posting videos online. Express your viewpoints with respect. Emotional posting can lead to trouble. Gossip and rumors intent on harming a person’s reputation defames their character and may be considered libel. People have posted videos that mock, hurt, or ridicule others in order to get more views. They may instigate fights just to record and post or harass other students on camera to get a reaction. Some of these actions are illegal, and videos create digital footprints which offer evidence for the police.
Privacy and safety are another aspect to consider. YouTubers have been stalked based on the information that they share in their video. For example, a street address in the background or specific details in the dialogue could reveal too much to unknown parties. Also, take care to respect the privacy of others. Be sure to get permission from all of the people in the video prior to sharing it online—ask parents for permission to post videos that involve their children.
Finally, exercise ethics. Follow the terms of use. Respect copyright and intellectual property. Be sure to obtain permission before uploading TV shows, movies, music, or graphics, or use media that is royalty-free or in the public domain.
10 Things to Consider Before Posting a Video Online
- Does this video represent me in the best light?
- What message does this video convey?
- How will this impact my identity and reputation?
- How will this video impact the reputation of others?
- Am I revealing more information than I should? What is in the background?
- Did I ask permission from the people featured in the video?
- Will other people feel ridiculed or hurt as a result of this video being posted?
- Does this video promote negative actions such as violence or harassment?
- Is the information in this video true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind?
- Do I have permission for all of the intellectual property that I have used?
Think About It
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of creating digital videos and sharing them online?
Examine the Issue: Cyber Bullying
Cyber bullying is an intentional act of aggression repeatedly carried out by a group or individual through electronic forms of contact against a victim who is not easily able to defend him or herself. Just like bullying in person, acts of cyber bullying are intentional, harmful, repeated over a period of time, and involve an imbalance of power. However, unlike bullying in person, the Internet provides some degree of anonymity. Electronic communications give those who bully a false courage. People who feel that they do not face consequences for what they say and do online are more likely to act irresponsibly and even cause harm to others without remorse. Since those who bully online do not receive immediate feedback from their target, they are also less likely to show empathy. Electronic communications can intensify the cyber bullying situation because the cyber bully has access to the target at any time from almost anywhere. Furthermore, digital media and messages have the ability to spread quickly to a large online audience. Once information travels across the Web, it is difficult to remove. Given the nature of the Internet, the target of cyber bullying may feel unable to escape the situation. Young people who are cyber bullied are less likely to tell a trusted person when they feel that they may lose access to technology or that the bully or bully mob will retaliate. People who cyber bully need to realize the real consequences of their actions. Targets of cyber bullying need to know that help and support is available.
Social responsibility is the sense of obligation or duty to act for the good of society as a whole. As digital citizens, individuals have a responsibility to speak up for those who are cyber bullied, and to take the appropriate action.
Think About It
- How is cyber bullying similar to bullying in person?
- How is cyber bullying different than bullying in person?
- Why do some victims of cyber bullying choose not to tell someone about the situation?
- How might you counteract cyber bullying in your school and online communities?
Web 2.0 Debate and Persuasive Writing
People use the Web every day without understanding what it is or how it actually works—much like the way that people use electricity without understanding how electrical systems work. But the Web is such a pervasive technology that connects us to information systems, people, and even things, that a basic understanding of the Web makes us more aware of how to safely, effectively and responsibly integrate this technology into our lives.
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Think About It
- Consider the way that your school or classrooms use Web 2.0: What are the pros and cons of Web 2.0 in education?