Digital Citizenship

Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to travel and speak to students all over Oklahoma.  Though I speak on many different topics within "youth culture" the same one continues to be requested: 'To #Selfie or Not To #Selfie' (Healthy Social Media & Cell Phone use).  It seems EVERY student is struggling with the same thing: how do I handle the freedom of the internet!?  

Most recently I received an email from the Computer Applications teacher at a local high school asking if there were any resources to discuss with his class regarding what he calls: 'Digital Citizenship'.  What a great question, and ultimately, what a expectation for our incoming adults.  How can we become a Healthy Digital Citizen!!  Though this is practically a brand new idea, there's already some great stuff out there (See some of the links at the bottom if interested).  In reading many articles, I think all ages should ponder a few questions when thinking about the internet:

• What are our responsibilities in regards to using the internet?  
• How should we treat others and should we look out for others?  
• How do we want to be viewed or perceived by others?  
• Should we give back, in some way, through our use of the internet?

Have you ever thought about the internet in this way?  Have you ever "abused" yourself or someone by misusing the freedom of the internet?  Personally, so much time has gone by and so many habits have been formed by non-intentional internet use that I'm frustrated or angry in ways that I completely brought on myself.

Recently, I saw this video and felt it is the most honest take on many of the roles we play in the context of social media in our lives.  Before I say anything more, take two and half minutes and check this out...

Though this video is primarily via Facebook, I think the the context can be applicable to any of the many social media avenues we are engaged in each day!!  Here are a couple questions that popped into my mind when watching this video...

• Do I only post my "best" life (the good stuff)?
• Do I exaggerate what's going on in my life?
• Am I looking for affirmation when I post?
• Why do I post negativity (Is it just attention seeking)? 
• Do I ignore people "calling for help" (literally and figuratively)?
• How much of my life should I be posting anyways?
• Can my posts hurt others?
• Is it my responsibility to make sure others are not hurt by what I post?

The list can really go on and on... How do you feel about some of those questions?  Would you be willing to discuss it either in the comments or contacting me?

Here are some great articles and resources to help with becoming a healthy digital citizen:

• Nine Elements of Being a Digital Citizen
• Common Sense Media
• Internet Safety Tips for Parents
• Empowering Students to Use the Internet Responsibly & Safely
• 5 Ways to Teach Kids to Use Technology Safely

If interested in bringing 'To #Selfie or Not To #Selfie' to your school please visit our website (Surge Leadership) and click on contact.  If you'd like a FREE copy of the '10 Things You Should Know About Teens & Tweens' manual you can also find it here.

How do we respond to this...

ATTENTION THIS POST IS FOR YOUTHWORKERS AND PARENTS OF TEENS

My heart has been in so much angst lately... That may seem weird or even silly but I lie awake at night with a deep despair for this generation!! And it's not their fault... I'm not even saying it's our fault or the generation of leaders before us!! I actually know who is the cause and I know if left unchecked or ignored it will only get worse...

Bottom line... Students today are being bombarded by lies at every turn!! Below are a few examples of what I'm talking about:

Number One song on iTunes (as of Oct. 2011):
"Young, Wild & Free" by: Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa

The chorus is what really made me cringe:
So what we get drunk
So what we smoke weed
We’re just having fun
We don’t care who sees
So what we go out
That’s how its supposed to be
Living young and wild and free


Hugely Famous video that has been downloaded over 250 million times:
"The Lazy Song" by: Bruno Mars

I don't know what I'm more concerned with in this song... That sex is just a "hey, you're really nice...let's do it" OR that he's 25+ years old and the college degree isn't something he's doing for himself but to get 'dad' off his back (It's probably because he still lives at home like most "emerging adults" in their mid to late twenties, but that is a much longer topic for another post):
Tomorrow I'll wake up, do some P90X
Meet a really nice girl, have some really nice sex
And she's gonna scream out: 'This is Great'
(Oh my god, this is great)
Yeah

I might mess around, get my college degree
I bet my old man will be so proud of me
But sorry pops, you'll just have to wait
Oh, oh


I know, I know... Quit harping on the music!!
Fine let's look at commercials...They're not evening trying to hide 'it' anymore!!
'A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas' TV Spot
Sure... If you cut out the drugs, sex, porn and dismal vocabulary why would anyone go!!

I could complain about Axe all day long... Please stop buying their products, but if you need any reason here's two (Disclaimer: this are real commercials and in my opinion way over the line!):
'Axe 24-7'
'Axe Detailer'


Since we are on the topic of going to far... Can we not all agree that some of the things we are letting folks get away with, in the name of 'breast cancer awareness', is over the line (and ultimately insulting, since someone is obviously making a profit off being crude and probably not kicking much if any back to breast cancer research or exams)!!


Here's a story that just happened with a school that took a stand: Cheerleaders' cheeky breast cancer shirt spark controversy

PLEASE hear me... I'm not saying, breast cancer awareness isn't important or that it shouldn't have attention (though you have to admit there's a bunch right now), I'm saying this is over the line and there has to be a better way to show support AND respect (would love to hear your thoughts here)!!


In the end there were two things in our media that I experienced this week that set me down this path of anger and the feelings of hopelessness... The first was a commercial by Norton, it seemed simple enough but it was the last line that caught my ear:
'Protect Your Stuff with Norton' Commercial
The thing is, stuff happens...because what are you without your stuff, better yet, who are you?

Have we really lost our reason and purpose in this life?? Are we honestly only left with "our stuff"?? How depressing and worthless that life would and will be...


But if that didn't effect you like it did me... Then take three minutes (or eight :)) and watch the second thing I heard this week that really made me stop and think about where we are ARE (most would say 'where we are headed', I disagree, WE'RE THERE FOLKS)!!
"Last Friday Night" by: Katy Perry
*Katy Perry, by the way, has already become the ONLY female artist to have four #1 singles from one album ('Teenage Dream') and if this song continues to climb the charts, she will tie Michael Jackson (the only artist of any kind to pull off five #1 singles from one album)

Some of the lyrics in case you missed them:
Last Friday night
We went streaking in the park
Skinny dipping in the dark
Then had a ménage à trois

Last Friday night
Yeah I think we broke the law
Always say we're gonna stop
Whoa-oh-oah

This Friday night
Do it all again

This song captures the essence of what I see and hear everyday when I get the privilege of hanging, listening, and loving on teenagers around town, in schools, on facebook, at games, and yes even in church!! The question remains... Is there anything that can be done about it?

My passionate prayer is quickly becoming...'revival'!! And not the, let's put it on the calendar this summer and invite a cool band revival... I'm talking a movement of young adults with a passion for integrity, conviction and purpose!!! Will you join me in this prayer??