Helping Canadian Adults Navigate Their Wired World
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Helping Canadian adults navigate their wired world CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: Helping Canadian adults navigate their wired world Welcome note from Andrea Goertz 3 Welcome note from University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work 4 Introduction 5 The Internet in all aspects of our adult lives 7 Education 7 The workplace 7 The Internet and romantic relationships 8 The Internet and marginalized populations 10 Compulsive use of the Internet 11 Cyberbullying 11 Tips 13 Tips for all adults 13 If you experience or witness cyber aggression, regardless of the platform 13 Tips for young adults 14 Tips for adults in the workforce 15 Tips for adults with children 15 Tips for adults who are vulnerable and marginalized 16 Tips for older adults 16 Additional resources 18 2 Helping Canadian adults navigate their wired world Welcome note from Andrea Goertz Hello, The Internet provides us with amazing opportunities to explore, connect and learn. It has opened up a world of possibilities, changed the way we live and communicate and is now intrinsically linked to all aspects of our daily lives. It is important for adults to know how to use the Internet in a safe and positive manner, and TELUS takes responsibility for setting clear and simple guidelines for the technology tools we enable. We are honoured to partner with the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto to offer all Canadian adults a hands-on guide to Internet use. The guide provides tips and insights on using the Internet for education, in the workplace and in relationships. It also touches on critical social aspects, such as the impact of the Internet on marginalized populations, online addictions and compulsions, and cyberbullying. I hope you find this guide easy to use and I encourage you to discuss it with your friends and family. Regards, Andrea Goertz Executive sponsor of TELUS WISE Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, TELUS 3 Helping Canadian adults navigate their wired world Welcome note from University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work The Internet has dramatically changed our world. A new digital landscape has been created, altering how we communicate, learn, work, give and receive help, and enjoy entertainment. We are now connected to devices 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. The online world has become an extension of our offline world and travels everywhere with us through mobile technology. People of all ages and demographics use the Internet, making it central and influential in the lives of children, teenagers, young adults (e.g., college and university students), adults in the workforce and at home, and older adults. New websites and platforms are developed every day, with no signs of slowing down, bringing us tremendous benefits. These changes in our communications and interactions can also carry some risks. A wealth of knowledge exists on how children and teenagers use the Internet, along with the associated benefits and risks. The same is not true for adults. In today’s world, however, it is essential that everyone is competent in using the Internet and aware of the possible benefits and risks. This knowledge is critical for adults, so they can enjoy safe and productive Internet use, and provide guidance to younger generations. To increase adults’ knowledge of Internet use, TELUS and the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto have created this guide. We discuss the various ways the Internet influences how adults learn, work, are entertained, and relate to friends, family, and romantic partners. Because individuals face particular issues according to their age and social location, we provide an overview of the benefits, risks and issues as well as tips for staying safe that are customized for young adults, adults in the workforce, adults who are vulnerable and marginalized, parents, and older adults. Regards, Faye Mishna Dean & Professor, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work Margaret & Wallace McCain Family Chair in Child & Family University of Toronto 4 Helping Canadian adults navigate their wired world Introduction The Internet has built and strengthened connections and increased access to information. Adults of all ages use the Internet to maintain relationships with friends and family. Combining online communication with offline interactions can enhance the quality of all relationships.1 Many young adults have never known a world without the Internet. Ingrained in their daily lives, the Internet can be particularly important for young adults, allowing them to access social support regardless of their physical location. This is especially valuable during the transition from adolescence to adulthood, when many young people leave their families of origin to pursue employment opportunities, postsecondary education, or travel. The Internet can facilitate this transition by enabling contact with the youth’s families while forging ahead independently. The Internet benefits families with young children and teenagers, by allowing them to effortlessly coordinate daily activities and communicate even when separated.2 Parents can stay apprised of their children’s educational aspirations and accomplishments by easily communicating with teachers and school staff.3 Some parents elect to make use of a global positioning system (GPS) to monitor the whereabouts and security of their children.4 In contrast to concerns that the Internet creates distance and isolation among family members, research indicates that families often use the Internet together and share their online experiences.5 Moreover, the Internet allows extended families to stay involved and connected regardless of their physical location. In addition to the clear benefits of connecting and communicating among family members, the Internet provides parents ready access to social support and resources related to the parenting experience.6 The Internet can be a particularly effective tool to close generation gaps and promote understanding and communication among family members of various ages.7 Older adults can use the Internet to communicate and coordinate with family members as well as friends, community members, and health care and social service providers.8 The Internet offers a wealth of resources that older adults can access in order to maximize their personal health and quality of life.9 Another benefit 1 Whitty, M., & Gavin, J. (2001). Age/Sex/Location: Uncovering the Social Cues in the Development of Online Relationships. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 4(5), 623-630. 2 Wellman, B., Smith, A., Wells, A., & Kennedy, T. (2008). Networked families. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet. org/2008/10/19/networked-families/. 3 Eynon, R., & Helsper, E. (2015). Family dynamics and Internet use in Britain: What role do children play in adults’ engagement with the Internet? Information, Communication & Society, 18(2), 156-171. doi: 10.1080/1369118X.2014.942344 4 Falhquist, J.N. (2015). Responsibility and Privacy — Ethical Aspects of Using GPS to Track Children. Children & Society, 29(1), 38-47. DOI:10.1111/chso.12016 5 Wellman, B., Smith, A., Wells, A., & Kennedy, T. (2008). Networked families. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet. org/2008/10/19/networked-families/. 6 Duggan, M., Lenhart, A., Lampe, C., & Ellison, N.B. (2015). Parents and social media. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www. pewinternet.org/2015/07/16/parents-and-social-media/. 7 AARP & Microsoft. (2012). Connecting generations. Retrieved from http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Connecting%20 Generations_0.pdf. 8 Satariano, W. A., Scharlack, A. E., & Lindeman, D. (2014). Aging, Place, and Technology: Toward Imroving Access and Wellness in Older Populations. Journal of Aging and Health, 26(8), 1373-1389. doi: 10.1177/0898264314543470 9 Perkins, E.A., & LaMartin, K.M. (2012). The Internet as social support for older carers of adults with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 9(1), 53-62. 5 Helping Canadian adults navigate their wired world of regular Internet use for older adults is its association with cognitive enhancement and improved functioning.10 While the Internet on the one hand opens up extraordinary ways to communicate and stay informed, Internet usage can also lead to a lack of involvement in the offline world, thus increasing social isolation.11 Moreover, the fewer available social cues and norms in Internet environments can increase the likelihood of misunderstanding others’ intentions and of inadvertently offending friends, family members and others.12 10 Ordonez, T.N., Yassuda, M.S., & Cachioni, M. (2011). Elderly online: Effects of a digital inclusion program in cognitive performance. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 53(2), 216-219. 11 Hughes, R. Jr., & Hans, J. D. (2001). Computers, the Internet, and Families: A Review of the Role New Technology Plays in Family Life. Journal of Family Issues, 22(6), 776-790. 12 Reich, S. M., Subrahmamyam, K., & Espinoza, G. (2012). Friending, IMing, and Hanging Out Face-to-Face: Overlap in Adolescents’ Online and Offline Social Networks. Developmental Psychology, 48(2), 356-368. doi: 10.1037/a0026980 6 Helping Canadian adults navigate their wired world The Internet in all aspects of our adult lives Education The Internet enriches the learning experiences of young adults in college or university through a wealth of educational resources, such as books, journal