8. Trouble on internet and SNS
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These days, the internet and social media are a big part of student life. They're essential for searching up information, staying in touch with friends, and expressing yourself. However, they also come with risks such as identity theft, online bullying, impersonation, and shady job offers that could seriously damage your reputation and future. Since these tools are so easy to use, it’s important to use them responsibly. Keep the following points in mind to stay safe and smart online!
Use of APU Net ID
Using someone else’s APU Net ID or password to access their portal, Moodle, or other systems is illegal and considered a serious criminal offense. Never engage in such behavior. If you witness or experience this kind of misconduct, report it immediately to the Student Office.
To protect yourself from these risks, never share your password with others, avoid using easily guessed passwords, such as your birthday or student ID number, and change your password regularly. Remember: protecting your personal information is your own responsibility.
Usage of SNS
Make sure to keep the following points in mind when using the SNS.
1. Do Not Take Information on Social Media or the Internet at Face Value
Today, we are exposed to an overwhelming amount of information every day through social media. With just a smartphone, we can easily access news, people’s opinions, and trending topics. However, among this vast amount of information, there are also inaccuracies, intentionally manipulated content, and biased viewpoints. In particular, posts designed to provoke emotions or information that spreads easily should be approached with caution. Believing something simply because “everyone is saying it” or “it has many likes” can lead to misunderstandings or trouble.
When using social media, it is important to ask yourself: Is this information accurate? Is the source trustworthy? Is the perspective one-sided? Developing the ability to judge information calmly is essential. Do not let yourself be swept away by what you see—build the habit of thinking for yourself. Spreading incorrect information can even make you the one causing harm.
2. Don’t Post Photos of Others Without Permission
These days, even a single photo on social media can reveal a lot about someone. Posting someone else’s photo or personal information without their consent is a violation of their privacy and can potentially cause harm - and you would be responsible. Even if you think it’s harmless, the person in the photo might not feel the same. Just to be safe, whether it’s a photo or some story about a friend, always check with them first before posting.
3. Avoid Oversharing Personal Information
Posting about your day-to-day life on social media can be a great and convenient way to stay connected with friends. But posting personal details like your full name, school, address, profile photos, student ID, or information on where you work can put you at risk of scams or other trouble. Once something is online, it’s impossible to erase. Even if you only post a story meant for close friends, it can still be shared or misused.
Before you post, pause and ask yourself: “Am I really okay with this being out in the world?” Some caution goes a long way when it comes to protecting the privacy of yourself and those around you.
4. Never Post Abusive or Defamatory Comments
It’s easy to vent online when you’re upset, but posting insults or spreading unfounded rumors on social media can easily cross the line into harassment or defamation. Such charges are a direct human rights violation and amount to a criminal offense. Even if you think you’re anonymous, your identity can still be traced back to you. Once something is online, it’s there permanently, a “digital tattoo”. No matter how upset you are, avoid posting anything abusive, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate on social media.
5. Beware of Shady Job Offers (known as “yami baito”)
“No Experience Needed!”
“High pay for short hours!”
If you’ve ever seen too good to be true job advertisements like these on social media or online forums, be very cautious as they’re often fronts for shady part-time work. There have been an increasing number of cases of students unknowingly getting caught up in fraud or robbery, acting as money mules or couriers.
Once involved it can be hard to escape, trapped by threats of harm to you or your family. Saying “I didn’t know” won’t protect you. If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay away from suspicious offers, because there’s always a catch behind “easy money”. When in doubt, just talk to the Student Office.
Your future is in your hands.
6. Online Casinos
You may see similar advertisements on social media or video platforms claiming you can easily earn money through online casinos or side hustles on your phone. But in Japan, online gambling is illegal; even just participating can make you liable for criminal charges. Thinking “It’s fine if I don’t get caught” or “My friends do it too” can lead to serious consequences. Online casinos aren’t entertainment or side jobs, they’re risky and can lead to serious legal consequences. Don’t fall for these traps.
- Created by the National Police Agency: Gambling via online casinos is a criminal offense!
- https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/safetylife/hoan/onlinecasino/onlinecasino.html (Japanese)
- Created by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: Online casinos are a crime!
- https://www.soumu.go.jp/use_the_internet_wisely/trouble/reference/reference08.html (Japanese)
