Digital Safety for the Tech-Savvy Online Experience

In an era where our digital footprint rivals our physical presence, the call for vigilant self-care in the online realm is more imperative than ever. Irene Soria Guzman, a trailblazer in hackfeminism and a voice for digital safety, recently shed light on the pressing need for “digital care” in her illuminating conference held at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM).

The phrase “Let me know when you arrive” echoes beyond our neighborhoods into the vast expanse of the internet, where we too must navigate with caution. Guzman, armed with a Ph.D. in Feminist Studies, emphasizes that the internet is not merely a collection of social networks; it's a dynamic space that demands self-care strategies akin to those employed in our physical communities.

Myths and Realities of Digital Safety

Guzman presented a compelling narrative by debunking ten common myths prevalent among internet users:

1. “I have nothing to hide”: Guzman asserts that privacy is paramount, likening it to handing over the keys to our homes. Rotating passwords and incorporating varied elements enhances digital security.
2. “The same password for everything”: Change is the essence of security. Guzman recommends diversifying passwords with a mix of numbers, letters, and even phrases from memorable songs.
3. “Digital violence is my fault for not taking care of myself”: Guzman advises the use of secure messaging platforms like Signal or Telegram, with additional support available on platforms like Denuncia.org and Ciberseguras.
4. “If I suffer harassment, it is because a hacker entered my computer”: Vigilance extends to public computers; personal accounts accessed through them are not immune to risks.
5. “Checking my mail or networks on public computers does not represent a risk”: Guzman challenges this notion, emphasizing the potential risks associated with public terminals.
6. “No one will remember what I say or upload to networks in a few years”: The internet has a long memory. Guzman highlights the need for conscious content sharing.
7. “Social networks listen to my conversations to present me with product advertisements”: Guzman demystifies the listening algorithms, urging users to be mindful of their digital conversations.
8. “The better my content is, the more likes and followers I will have, and the more successful I will be”: Guzman shatters the myth of success tied solely to online popularity.
9. “You can be totally anonymous on the internet”: True anonymity is elusive. Guzman advocates for responsible online conduct.
10. “We cannot cope with the power of digital social networks”: Guzman empowers users, emphasizing that technology is a tool wielded by humans.

The Alarming Landscape of Cyberbullying

Germán Téllez Leal, Deputy State Director of Dissemination at INEGI, provided stark statistics on cyberbullying in Mexico. In 2022, a staggering 20.8 percent of the internet-using population, comprising 9.8 million women and 7.6 million men, fell victim to cyberbullying.

Téllez Leal highlighted the pervasive nature of cyberbullying, citing the National Survey on Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Households (Endutih) 2022. The most prevalent form was contact through false identities, with Tlaxcala, Yucatán, and Tabasco topping the list.

In a hybrid meeting organized by the Institute of Economic Research at UNAM, Téllez Leal issued a call to action. With nearly 106 million internet users in Mexico, the potential for harm is immense. Téllez Leal cautioned against the misuse of personal data, facilitated by advanced technologies like artificial intelligence.

From July 2021 to August 2022, a significant percentage of internet users, both men and women, experienced virtual harassment, leading to emotional distress and, tragically, cases of suicide among the youth. Téllez Leal emphasized the need for proactive measures, with 61.8 percent of males and 73.6 percent of females resorting to blocking and other protective actions.

In a world dominated by technology, Guzman and Téllez Leal underscored the collective responsibility of users. The internet, with its myriad opportunities and risks, demands not only technological solutions but a paradigm shift in user behavior.

As we navigate the digital landscape, let us heed the call for “digital care.” It's time to be proactive, vigilant, and responsible digital citizens, ensuring that the vast virtual neighborhood we inhabit remains a safe and secure space for all.