Internet Safer Day, Italy in tenth place for online risks Italy ranks tenth out of 25 for exposure to online risks, the United Kingdom first, South Africa last. These are the results of the Microsoft Digital Civility Index which every year, on the occasion of the Internet Safer Day, analyzes the attitudes and perceptions of adolescents (13-17) and adults (18-74) with respect to digital civic education and safety online in 25 countries, including our country. According to the study, all over the world the web is perceived as a less civilized and safe place than it was a year ago. In general, unwanted contacts, fake news and sexting (sending sexually explicit texts or images via the Internet or smartphone) are the most common risks encountered, respectively by 41%, 29% and 23% of Italian respondents. Cyberbullying continues to make victims: 22% of respondents were victims of online bullies. Misbehavior online mainly concerns physical appearance (28%), sexual orientation (21%) and politics (21%). 67% of respondents also claim to have been the victim of at least one of the main online risks repeatedly, 2 or more times. And 33% have in fact met the author of the threat in person. Globally, however, in 30% of cases it is even friends and family. Damage to one’s reputation (89%), harassment (87%), mistreatment (82%), micro-aggression (76%) and misogyny (73%) are the risks for which victims experience more pain and discomfort. It emerges that 51% of teenagers turn to their parents for help (+ 7% compared to 2019) .The research also investigated on a global level what their expectations are for the future. Respect, security and freedom are the first three words that respondents say will characterize online experiences over the next ten years. 50% hope that tech companies and social media will introduce new policies and create tools to promote more civil and respectful online behavior and punish misconduct.
Motalli Sophia Giulia 3AL
