Online spaces have become an extension of our everyday lives, similar to shopping malls, bus stations, cafeterias, or offices. We navigate these environments with awareness and respect, and the same principles should apply online. Every message you send, every post you share, and every file you upload, or download has an impact on digital safety, shapes the online environment, and contributes to the overall trust and security of the UCT community.
Being a responsible digital citizen isn’t just about avoiding mistakes. It's also about making thoughtful and deliberate choices that protect yourself and others.
Understand your digital footprint
Everything you post, share, or even like contributes to your online presence. Once information is on the internet, it can be difficult, or even impossible, to remove. Before posting, consider whether your content might affect your professional reputation, impact colleagues, or infringe on the privacy of others. Think carefully before sharing personal opinions about others, confidential documents, or exam tips. A single careless post can spread far beyond your immediate circle and leave a lasting impression.
Communicate respectfully online
Respectful communication online is essential to being a good digital citizen. This principle applies to all forms of communication, including emails to colleagues, messages on Teams, comments in shared documents, and posts on social media.
When communicating, use clear and professional language, avoid offensive or careless remarks, and ensure that you share information in the appropriate spaces. Sending sensitive files to the wrong group or posting private details on a public platform not only damages trust but also poses cybersecurity risks.
Protect your digital persona and reputation
Your online identity is more than just your username; it includes how colleagues, students, and the public view you.
- Regularly review your social media profiles, privacy settings, and the content you share.
- Make sure your online presence reflects your professional values and meets the standards of the UCT community. Even small details, such as a public comment or photo, can impact how others perceive you.
Keeping your profiles updated and professional enhances trust and confidence in your interactions.
Respect copyright and intellectual property
Using someone else's work without permission is both unethical and illegal.
- Always give credit to the original creator and use licensed or open-source content whenever possible.
- Avoid copying or redistributing copyrighted material without proper approval.
Acknowledging the work of others fosters trust and encourages collaboration.
Follow UCT’s digital community standards
UCT has clear policies and guidelines on the responsible use of technology, information, and online communication. Familiarise yourself with these standards to support a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment. Adhering to these guidelines ensures that everyone can collaborate and communicate safely online.
Consider the ripple effect
Small actions can lead to significant consequences. Forwarding a document without checking permissions, posting misleading content, or clicking an unsafe link might seem minor in the moment, but these choices can put personal data, research, and even UCT’s systems at risk. What feels like a single click can escalate into data breaches, reputational damage, or the spread of harmful misinformation.
Practicing responsible digital behaviour means understanding that your actions affect others. By verifying sources, reporting suspicious emails, and being cautious about where you post files, you help to create a culture of trust and security on campus. When each member of the UCT community contributes, the digital environment becomes safer for all.