Good Digital Habits: A Practical Guide to Staying Oriented on the Internet

The Internet is part of our lives like morning coffee. We use it to work, study, watch series, or talk with friends. But, like everything, it has its traps: viruses, scams, annoying people, and above all, that feeling that someone is always watching. That’s why it’s good to have some basic guidelines—a digital survival manual you don’t need a legal magnifying glass to read.

Here’s a summary of the most important points to move wisely through the digital world.

Take care of your tools

Your computer and your phone are your keys to the online world. If they break or fall into the wrong hands, it’s game over.

  • Backups: better to have a “plan B” than regret it later.
  • Strong passwords: you know the drill—long and varied, nothing like “123456” or your birthday.
  • Antivirus and updates: it may be tedious, but they’re your best defense against attacks.
  • Battery and case: it sounds basic, but how many times have you been left without your phone halfway through the day?

Respect is digital too

Sharing a song, downloading a movie, or copying an assignment without citing isn’t “free.” Behind it are copyrights and laws that protect them. Digital respect also means recognizing other people’s work.

Watch out for bad vibes

In the virtual world, there are people who devote themselves to causing trouble:

  • Cyberbullying: constant insults or mockery on social media or chats.
  • Grooming: adults pretending to be minors to deceive.
  • Trolling and griefing: provocateurs looking for fights in forums or trying to ruin online games.

The best defense is to not fall into the trap and ask for help if needed. Remember: you’re not alone.

Browse wisely

  • Browsing: check that websites are secure (https and the little padlock in the browser).
  • Email: don’t open suspicious attachments or click on strange links.
  • Messaging and chats: don’t share personal information with strangers.
  • Social media: review who can see your posts and think before uploading a photo.

What about gaming?

Video games are great entertainment, but they can also become addictive or attract toxic people. Set time limits and choose games that offer more than simple distraction.

The basic decalogue

  1. Use secure passwords.
  2. Keep your devices and apps updated.
  3. Don’t share personal data lightly.
  4. Respect copyright.
  5. Report harassment.
  6. Don’t believe everything you read.
  7. Browse trustworthy websites.
  8. Be critical of information.
  9. Disconnect every once in a while: offline life exists too.
  10. Remember that behind every screen there is a person.