We all spend a lot of time on the internet, even when the school WiFi was unpredictable. It enables us to do so much, from completing schoolwork to creating digital art to meeting new friends. However, while we may feel like we can act differently on the internet, it is important to stay true to yourself and make sure you use technology wisely. 

There can be many repercussions to actions you make online, even though it may feel easy to hide behind an anonymous profile. The concept of “online anonymity” can lead people to feel less accountable for what they say, causing them to do or say things online that they would never do or say in real life. But the internet can act as a permanent record of everything you say; you never know who could screenshot a comment or record what you say. There are people behind every screen, so our words still affect others and can quickly move from a seemingly anonymous online world to impact people’s lives in ways you may not intend or predict. Remember, as recent events at ARHS emphasize, you are accountable for your actions, and what we do online can still impact us offline. 

Our online actions connect with schoolwork, too. While there have always been ways to use the internet as a learning, and even cheating, tool, with recent improvements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), many of us are tempted to plug in a prompt on ChatGPT instead of completing schoolwork ourselves. After all, doesn’t that let us accomplish more in less time? Why should we spend hours on an assignment when AI can do it in seconds? Well, things written by AI are known to contain plagiarism from pre-existing sources online, and using AI to generate writing is even considered by the school to be plagiarism. 

If you are caught submitting AI generated content, your grades will drop (at the least). Submitting AI generated work may be enticing, but it’s just that: AI generated. It’s not our own work. Plus, although schoolwork can be frustrating and tiresome, being able to work through problems is an important skill that can be applied to all aspects of life. And, yes, we should learn ways to use AI effectively, but not in place of other lessons and skills. 

Although being on the internet may challenge our integrity, it can also be an uplifting space. Especially since the pandemic, digital platforms have been a great way to stay connected with friends and the community. There is also a wealth of knowledge to explore online. However, it is important to be mindful and make sure your online persona reflects who you are as a person, and be conscious of your digital footprint.