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08. Cyber Cupid: Safeguarding Your Online Experience

08. Cyber Cupid: Safeguarding Your Online Experience




Institution: Carleton University

CSWB plan priority: Integrated and simpler systems

Project Term: Winter 2024

Course Code: CHST 3103

Professor: Alexandra Arraiz Matute

Group Members: Alexandra Kropop, Kate Bélanger, Nooral Hooda Eedan, Vivian Jaquemet

City Lead: Hanan Ghazal

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Background: Our project underscores the critical importance of safety in the realm of online dating, particularly for late adolescents who have easy access to dating apps. These platforms often allow users to manipulate their own information and encounter others who may not be who they claim to be, increasing the risk of encountering predators online. This poster serves as a guide to ensure the safety of late adolescents in the digital world, offering clear instructions on what to do and what not to do when signing up for dating apps and when asked for information by strangers. As a collaborative group, we recognize the growing popularity of dating apps, and while they may appear harmless to some, they present significant risks for young people. With an understanding of the challenges posed by the digital landscape, we aimed to create an engaging and relatable poster that resonates with late adolescents. Our aim is to provide them with tangible resources and to empower them in the sea of uncertainty, in offering them a resource to navigate the digital world while safeguarding their love life and personal safety and well-being.


Objective(s): Our objective of this project sheds light on the inherent dangers lurking within the realms of online dating, particularly concerning late adolescents. Through the dissemination of information and the provision of a comprehensive chart explaining ‘good’ and ‘bad’ actions, our objective is to arm individuals with knowledge and awareness necessary to navigate the digital dating world safely. In an era where technological advancements have revolutionized the way information is accessed and shared, late adolescents find themselves increasingly exposed to potential risks, especially to those who have mastered their ways around modern technology. These individuals lure late adolescents through the internet specifically with dating apps into compromising situations. By empowering late adolescents with the knowledge to recognize and avoid potential dangers online, we aim to mitigate the risks associated with digital dating. Through education and awareness, we strive to create a safer online environment for individuals, enabling them to make informed decisions and protect themselves from harm while exploring romantic relationships in the digital realm.


Approach: In creating this project, we discussed the many problems of the digital world and how there is limited access for late adolescents to navigate the digital world of online dating. We called to take action and create a visually aesthetic poster that brings in the attention of these individuals from all walks of life. We realized our content can address anyone therefore, we decided to leave our location open-ended. We do recognize that those living in poor socioeconomic positions may have limited access to technology, however, if they ever choose to create an online dating profile – this poster allows them to be prepared in navigating that world. In collaboration with the Ottawa Public Health website, we used their content on online dating and healthy relationships to help create this poster filling it with important facts and information. By creating a chart, we can easily see what to do and what not to do when utilizing dating apps. Another problem we encountered was narrowing down our topic from online safety to online dating. We acknowledged how broad the online safety topic is as it can range from video games, dating, social media etc. Our group collectively worked together and honed in on online dating safety as a crucial aspect that often receives inadequate attention, particularly among late adolescents. In essence, our project is a testament to our commitment to raising awareness about the importance of online dating safety. By shedding light on the risks and providing actionable insights, we strive to empower individuals to navigate the digital world of dating with confidence and resilience.


Potential for Impact: The primary aim of our poster is to raise awareness among late adolescents, regardless of their background, about the importance of safety when using online dating apps. By being accessible in various locations, these posters will effectively convey the message about the potential dangers present in the online dating world, including the risks associated with encountering sexual predators. Serving as a visual reminder, the posters will encourage individuals to approach online dating with caution and vigilance. Moreover, our posters will serve an educational purpose by providing late adolescents with practical safety tips and strategies to protect themselves while engaging in online dating. This includes advice on verifying one's identity, exercising caution when sharing personal information with strangers, opting for initial meetings in public places, and maintaining a healthy skepticism towards individuals met online. The dos and don'ts chart featured on the poster will offer a concise yet comprehensive guide for navigating the complexities of online dating safely. Our overarching goal is to empower individuals to take control of their online dating experiences by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to make informed decisions. By fostering a sense of empowerment, we aim to instill confidence in late adolescents as they navigate the digital landscape of dating, thereby enhancing their ability to prioritize personal safety and well-being. Through this approach, we strive to contribute towards creating a safer and more secure online environment for individuals seeking romantic connections.


 

Community Partner: N/A

Community Partner - Mission: N/A

Supplementary Media

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