Do you still read the newspaper to get weather and news updates? We are sure most of you would be shaking your head in disapproval. After the advent of the internet, thinking of using any other medium to obtain information sounds dumb and unworthy.
Sure, our parents and grandparents are fond of watching television and listening to the radio, however, youngsters particularly teenagers and young adults use the internet to obtain information quickly.
For instance, if your 13-year-old has a science project due and needs to find information on seed germination. What will he do? He will definitely employ the internet and find his desired information by reading different articles on the web.
Having a dependable internet connection has become a necessity however, with heaps of information available online, surfing the web has also become an important skill. Doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an expert internet user, the tips enlisted in this article will assist you in exploring the web securely and proficiently.
- Understanding the Internet language
Are you aware of the following words- website, link, search engine, browser, URL? If yes then consider yourself a pro. However, if these terms seem alien to you, then the best approach would be to read about these technical terms and try to grasp their functions. This way you will be able to easily follow the instructions and efficiently surf the internet.
- Avoid Fraudulent Websites
Fake or fraudulent sites are quite menacing as they usually contain inaccurate information that can end up harming or robbing you of your personal information. We are saying this because included in these fake sites are phishing sites that trick you into disclosing your private information like credit card details, social security numbers, passwords, etc.
The real question hence is how can you figure out which sites are authentic, trustworthy, or credible? Don’t worry we’ve got you. Enlisted below are several ways that can help you identify:
- Carefully Look at the URL
Examine the address bar. If you must provide your personal as well as financial data on a website, always keep in mind that the bar should exhibit that it is a secure site. How can you identify it? Look at the website address.
Does it start with https? If yes, then you are good to go. You will also discover a ‘padlock’ sign on the right corner of the address bar. Moreover, in case you are clicking the link in the hopes of getting to a webpage, ensure that the address remains the same when you finally reach the website.
- Train your Eyes
Does the web page look user-friendly? Is it well-designed? Do you see many pop-up advertisements and download buttons? What about the spelling and grammatical mistakes? Poor design, as well as editing, are clear signs that the website is part of some fraudulent activity.
- Avoid Websites that Publish Poor Articles
Staying away from sites that upload fabricated or poor articles is a very smart approach. And it is not even a difficult task. You can easily tell if a piece of writing is copied or faulty, simply by looking at the headline or title.
For example, if you see article headlines like ‘Man gets trapped in the lion cage, click here to learn what happened next’ or ‘Girls would get attracted to you if you follow these simple tricks’, simply ignore them as they are all fraudulent sites, tempting you to click on them.
- Avoid Sharing if you are Unsure
Did you ever stumble upon an amazing offer? Come across an incredible claim? Or simply go through breaking news that was difficult to digest? If it seems unbelievable and you feel like it does not align with the facts, properly look into it, and conduct thorough research; click share only when you are sure that the information provided is accurate.
We are saying this because no one likes to identify as the one who spreads false news. Many social media users think they are doing a favor to their followers by sharing such links.
Final Words
The internet is a reality that powers all of our daily functions. Survival without it is impossible. Avoiding it completely so you don’t encounter hackers is not a very good idea. The best approach is to learn all the basics of the web so you can surf with ease and avoid any inconvenience online. By following the tips mentioned in this article, you will be able to befriend the internet and grasp its fundamentals.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn