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Relationships & Communication

9th Grade Lesson Four: Relationships & Communication

Risky Online Relationships

Directions:

On a blank piece of paper write your thoughts to the following question:

Think about what you share through digital media -- through text messages, social media, messaging apps, etc. How much of the real you comes through? How is the you that you present through digital media different from the you face-to-face?

People tend to present themselves differently through digital media than they do IRL (in real life).

Most people present a self online that is somewhat different from how they are in real life. They might be more or less shy online or more or less casual. Most of the time these differences are not a big deal. However, when there are really big differences between someone's online self and who they are in real life, that can lead to risky situations.

How are the chat messages in this video misleading?

Grooming (Online)

Grooming is when someone older uses chatting or messaging to befriend and manipulate a child or teenager into an in-person meeting for the purpose of sexual abuse or sex trafficking.

Red Flag Feelings

Red flag feelings occurs when something happens that makes you feel uncomfortable, worried, sad, or anxious.

Even though these kinds of messages are not obviously bullying or insulting, they may result in an uncomfortable or negative feeling.

Negative feelings can also result from messaging between people who are closer in age. For example:

If someone asks you to do something you're not comfortable with, like sharing a photo of yourself, sharing where you live or go to school, or keeping your relationship secret.
If someone lies about their age or background, or tries to manipulate by saying things like "If you really liked me, you would ... " or "No one understands you like I do."