Safer Internet Day

Today is Safer Internet Day, a day promoted by Insafe (funded in part by the European Union) to encourage responsible use of the Internet and mobile devices, particularly for young people. The day has been recognized in Europe since 2004, with CNET noting that the U.S. has just decided to get "on board" this year.

This year's theme is "Online rights and responsibilities" with the intention to get young people to "connect with respect." The official video below looks to be geared for younger audiences and highlights the bullying aspects of online connections. The last year has shown us some of the dire consequences of that.



Even adults should have a take away from this, however. Always connected may not always be a good thing. Remember that there is a person at the other end of every message you send (or fail to send). Text is harder to parse emotion out of than conversation, so make sure your message reads as you intend.

Connect with respect.