I see a lot of scary stuff on the Internet. It’s my job to see it, understand it and help people learn to avoid it. When I talk to the media and members of the public, heck, even my own family, sometimes I wish we didn’t have to give the bad guys of the world so much of our time. If we could simply enjoy technology, and the communities we’re forming online; if we could celebrate the myriad ways our global hive mind has expanded our choices in entertainment, education and commerce; if we could recognize that most of what happens online is WONDERFUL for young people and adults, we might develop a more nuanced attitude about online risk. Today, let’s imagine a world where we CELEBRATE the wonders of young people using technology in PRODUCTIVE ways; where we set aside, just for a moment, our fears of cybercrime, predators, online scammers and online cruelty and explore how we can use the Internet to do GOOD. Let’s begin by cheering for the launch of the Family Online Safety Institute’s A Platform for Good.
A Platform for Good is a new website where concepts like “digital responsibility” become fun and engaging. The site “emphasizes communication and collaborative learning”. It’s also a cheerful online destination that can help a frustrated teen explain a new technology to their parents. The site is intended to work in the class-room environment, providing thoughtful discussion topics, led by teens, about the online world. A Platform for Good will highlight programs and opportunities for young people to promote social good, using online and offline programs and resources.
“Research shows that the majority of online interactions are positive,” said Stephen Balkam, CEO of FOSI. “By giving parents, teens and teachers opportunities to engage with one another both online and offline, we can help change the current conversation about digital technologies – moving the needle from fear to opportunity.”
Norton by Symantec is a proud founding sponsor of FOSI’s A Platform for Good along with Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Disney and many other leading brands. Learn more at www.fosi.org and www.aplatformforgood.org.