Some of the first things I used the internet recreationally for where ‘research’ on shows I was interested in and socialization. I was introduced to Coke Music by a friend in the early 2000s. It didn’t seem like a convenient way for Coca-Cola to casually advertise, because it was just how I talked to my friends after school. At least, until we briefly migrated to more direct instant messengers, like AOL’s AIM. Then, like everyone else, we made and maintained MySpace pages, until Facebook came along.
The Facebook I first joined is not the Facebook I still use. The option to poke users is gone, but, there’s functioning IM system and sharing photos has never been easier; because I can link it with my Instagram. If I lived a less tame life, I might have cause for concern because Facebook is now something that employers and prospective employers look at.
I live and work in the state of New Jersey. As a legal assistant, I’m very fortunate that documents presented in a case are available online. Because of this, it’s very easy for me to save all the files and I need and update our clients through their websites. If I worked in our Pennsylvania office, I wouldn’t have this luxury, as not all counties have electronic records.
It’s through my job at the law firm that I’ve become aware of how differently I and other people view security. I believe while there are certain programs that can help, an individual plays a large part in keeping their personal data safe. I’ve learned that there is a reason Google Survey’s tell people not to submit passwords through forms, that people need to be told not to keep personal login information on sticky notes, and that some people don’t understand the importance of a good antivirus software. I believe that a number of these issues could be dealt with through education, but, there are plenty of people who did everything right and they were still affected by the Equifax Data Breach.
This is the beauty of my generation. We grew up and with this technology. For better or for worse, it’s a part of us, and now that we’re entering the job market, we’re prepared to start working with it more and perhaps shaping it to be a better, or at least more secure place for us, because of how much it impacts everything we do. I recently spoke with the librarian from a local elementary school about my desire to pursue a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science. She advised me that her job – and many other library jobs - used to be a lot simpler before the internet came along. Maybe it’s harder for her, but for someone with internet background, I am already prepared to adapt and master changes in the field.
