Q3: Consider This
Click to watch this ABC video about Snapchat.
Introduction
Sharing the wrong kind of information (through text, images, or video) can have long-term consequences for students and adults. Many newer social networks are using features that appeal to teens who believe their text and images are "private" or "anonymous." While sites such as Snapchat (which posts pictures that supposedly "disappear" after a few seconds) can be a lot of fun to use and good for a laugh, it's more important than ever to understand that even on this kind of site, your online behavior can be traced. For example, complaints to the app developers about inappropriate behavior such as "sexting" and harassing behavior can be investigated and traced to the user who posted, while pictures that "disappear" can be saved by a screenshot done by the receiver.
Key Vocabulary:
Harassment: online behavior that repeatedly annoys, bothers, or makes someone feel uncomfortable through the use of pictures, comments, or online video. Many states have enacted laws to make online harassment illegal.
Screengrab: is taking a picture of your screen, also called a screenshot (see Basics)
Viral: to spread rapidly via the Internet, email, or other media
STEPS:
1. Read the the situation below and be prepared to take a stand. You and a partner may be asked to role play this situation.
Scenario: Your younger sibling between the ages of 8-11 just received their first cell phone. Excited, they come to you and say "I want to download Snapchat and use it, but I don't want to tell Mom/Dad. Can you show me how to use it?"
Task: Decide whether or not it's a good idea for your younger sibling to have a Snapchat account. If you say yes, be prepared to defend your choice with recommended safeguards. If you say no, be prepared to give reasons explaining why not that you could share with a younger brother/sister.
Use the following resources to defend your decision:
ABC News video about Snapchat
10 Things Parents and Kids Should Know About the Snapchat App
3 Reasons Why Social Media Age Restrictions Matter
Write your reflections on this scenario in the Quest 14 Social Network Reflections document provided in Quest 2.