Duygu KARADUMAN TOPAL /Çakırbeyli Secondary School/ Tuana

 

What is “Conscious Internet Use”?Most of the time, the discourses that are a balsam for the languages ​​are not considered in depth. On the Internet, harm is usually seen from things done without knowing it, without calculating the beginning and the end. It can be said that the way to consciousness; learning, thinking, questioning and being aware.While using internet technologies, can we question ourselves and the situations we are in?Do we know what the repercussions of our behavior on the Internet will be for ourselves, our family, and other users?Do we use the Internet in the framework of correct and ethical behavior or do we abuse it?Thinking about the answers to all these questions at the point of a conscious internet use will be a guide.What can be done?Families should be informed about conscious internet use.“Information Awareness” course should be included in the primary education curriculum.Awareness-raising activities should be carried out with parents in all schools across Turkey.NGOs should take more responsibility in this regard and produce projects for conscious internet use.Likewise, universities should develop projects on this subject.Those who say "Freedom to the Internet" should also prioritize the concept of "Respect for the Internet". These concepts are; If behaviors that respect human rights are exhibited in the internet environment, meaning is gained.It would be illegal to allow crimes with criminal sanctions when committed in real life to be committed in the virtual world. At this point, every individual, institution and organization that feels responsible should first ask the following question: What can we do for conscious internet use and a safe internet environment?Likewise, the written and visual media have great responsibilities. Visual and written media should also publish articles and news that will raise awareness about conscious and human rights-based use of the internet. Site access blocking decisions can be criticised, but it is important to reveal why this is so, as well as criticism. There is no end to the fake news, unless we say what the truth is!