What is 'online reputation' and why does it matter long-term?

The impression of you that exists online through posts, photos, comments, and reviews — it can affect future college admissions, job opportunities, and relationships for years Your score on online gaming platforms that reflects your skill and win rate Only relevant for businesses and public figures — private individuals don't have online reputations Reputation that only matters if you have more than 1,000 followers on social media

What is 'net neutrality' and why did it become controversial?

The principle that internet providers must treat all internet traffic equally — not slowing down, blocking, or charging more for access to certain websites or services A law requiring that all internet content be appropriate for all ages The right of everyone to access the internet at no cost An agreement between countries not to interfere with each other's internet infrastructure

What is 'planned obsolescence' in technology products?

Designing products with a limited lifespan or stopping software support to encourage consumers to buy newer models — creating e-waste and environmental impact A law that requires manufacturers to clearly label when their products become outdated The natural process by which technology becomes outdated as better versions are invented A business strategy where companies give away old products for free to gain market share

What is 'intellectual property' (IP) in the context of technology?

Creations of the mind protected by law — including software code (copyright), inventions (patents), brand names (trademarks), and trade secrets — giving creators exclusive rights Technology owned by internet service providers that gives them control over network traffic Personal information stored on your devices that belongs to you legally Websites and apps that are only accessible if you prove ownership of a physical product

What careers exist at the intersection of technology and ethics?

Privacy engineer, AI ethics researcher, trust and safety specialist, digital rights lawyer, policy analyst, and accessibility engineer — all working to make technology more responsible Only politicians and lawyers can work on technology ethics — it's purely a regulatory field Technology ethics is handled by philosophy professors — not a practical career field The only tech ethics career is cybersecurity — all other ethical issues are handled by HR

What is 'accessibility' in technology design?

Designing technology so it can be used by people with a wide range of abilities — including those with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive disabilities Making technology affordable so everyone can buy it regardless of income Ensuring websites load fast enough to be accessible on slow internet connections Providing technology products in multiple languages for international users

What is 'digital legacy' and why might you think about it?

The digital information and accounts you leave behind when you die — including social media, email, photos, financial accounts, and cryptocurrencies that families may struggle to access The positive impact you hope to have on technology and internet culture over your lifetime Old files and data from past accounts that continue to exist on servers The data that old, retired computers and devices leave on hard drives

What is 'two-tier internet' and what's the concern?

A scenario where wealthy companies or individuals pay for faster internet access while others get slower service — potentially making the internet less fair and competitive A technical standard for internet connections with two separate tiers of speed A government program that provides free internet to low-income households The division between wired and wireless internet infrastructure

What is 'informed digital citizenship' for young people specifically?

Understanding how platforms work (algorithms, monetization, data collection), recognizing manipulation and misinformation, and making deliberate choices about digital participation rather than being passive consumers Knowing how to use all major social media platforms and the latest apps Following all platform rules and community guidelines without questioning them Avoiding social media entirely until you're an adult

If you discover a vulnerability in a school website, what is the ethical thing to do?

Report it privately to the school's IT department or administration — don't exploit it, don't tell other students, and don't post about it publicly until it's been fixed Explore it thoroughly so you can give the school a complete report of all vulnerabilities Post about it on social media to warn students that the school's security is poor Ignore it — it's not your responsibility to fix the school's security problems