Network Safety: Talking to Strangers

Learning Objectives Analyze online conversations using complex conditional logic (IF-THEN-ELSE) to identify potential risks. Model a safety check process as a loop that repeats until a conversation is confirmed safe or is ended. Classify personal information using a binary system (1 for 'safe to share', 0 for 'unsafe to share'). Deconstruct a stranger's request to identify phishing or social engineering tactics. Design a simple algorithm (a set of rules) for safely exiting a conversation that feels uncomfortable. Explain how a digital footprint is created by the data we share online. Have you ever gotten a message from someone you don't know in a game or app? 🤔 Let's think like a computer to decide if it's safe to reply! In this less...

TermDefinitionExample Conditional LogicA way of making decisions, like in coding. It follows an 'IF this happens, THEN do that, ELSE do something different' structure.IF a stranger asks for my full name, THEN I will not share it and will tell a trusted adult. ELSE, I can continue the conversation about the game we are playing. Safety LoopA repeating process or check you perform during an online conversation. You 'loop' through your safety questions as long as you are talking.WHILE talking to a new person, REPEAT these checks: Are they asking for personal info? Are they being too friendly too fast? Do I feel uncomfortable? Binary Information ClassificationA method of sorting information into only two groups, like a computer uses 0 and 1. We can use 0 for 'Unsafe to...

The Personal Information Sorter Algorithm IF (information type == 'Personal Identifiable Information') THEN classification = 0 (Unsafe) ELSE classification = 1 (Safe) Use this rule to quickly decide if a piece of information is safe to share. Personal Identifiable Information (PII) is anything that can be used to find you in the real world, like your full name, address, school, or phone number. The Red Flag Detection Loop WHILE (conversation is active) { CHECK for red_flag; IF (red_flag == TRUE) THEN execute_exit_plan; } Use this continuous loop in your mind during any online chat with a stranger. A 'red flag' could be asking for secrets, trying to get you to switch apps, or making you feel weird. The 'exit plan' is to stop replying, block them,...