real, genuine, true, or accurate; not fake or copied

2- or 3-dimensional icon that represents a computer user or gamer. It can be a cartoonish graphic, a photo, a screen name, or a fully-developed character.

to prevent an individual from accessing your profile, sending you messages, etc.

short for "weblog," is a type of website usually updated by an individual or group of bloggers. Some provide news or opinions on a specific subject, while others are more like online journals.

unwanted, aggressive behavior that is repeated (or has been repeated) over time

someone who has the power to intervene or report bad behavior but doesn't do anything to stop it

the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature.

intended to make someone believe something that isn't true

everything on the internet that is associated with what you do online. This could mean photos, audio, videos, texts, blogs, and messages or comments you write on friends' pages.

a program that shields your computer from most scams and tricks. At Cosgrove, we use "Smoothwall."

a public, online battle between two or more people, caused by flaming. They are frequently caused because it can be difficult to figure out people's intentions or emotions online.

the act of saying mean things online, usually in ALL CAPS, and often in a public forum with the intention to humiliate

done to trick someone for the purpose of getting something valuable

to create an unpleasant or hostile situation by uninvited and unwelcome verbal or physical conduct

a remix or blend of multiple songs, videos, or other media content into one product

usually an online virtual world that multiple players navigate and play in together. While in this virtual world, their avatars chat, cooperate, and quest together, oftentimes towards a goal.

allows for sharing of mp3s, videos, or other digital files by transferring information directly between two computers rather than by going through a central server.

information about a specific person that can be varying degrees of public or private, depending on how sensitive it is

the illegal act of sending emails or message that appear to come from authentic sources, but really come from spammers. Phishers often try to get people to send them their personal information, everything from account numbers to passwords.

a downloadable video or audio file. They can be verbal, based on a certain topic, or can include music, video, and commentary.

protecting your personal information and that of others

a dishonest attempt to make money or gain something else of value by tricking people

using good habits for securing hardware or software

a phishing scam where an attacker targets you more precisely by using pieces of your own personal information

able to be relied on to do what ir right or what is needed

a security process where logging in to a service requires two steps. You may have to enter in your password and enter in a code that was texted to your phone number, for example.

someone who intervenes to stop and/or report inappropriate behavior

something that can be proven or shown to be true or correct