Learn key digital terms.
Understand the language, make informed choices, and smart clicks every time you go online.
Algorithm
Algorithms are sets of rules or instructions that websites and apps use to decide what content to show you. For example, when TikTok or YouTube recommends videos, algorithms are making those choices based on the type of content you watch and interact with. If you frequently watch, like, and comment on dance videos, your recommended videos or TikTok "For You" page will show you lots of dance videos, helping you discover more of what interests you.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is technology that allows computers, apps, and websites to perform tasks that usually require human thinking, like understanding language or recognizing images and videos. AI learns by analyzing large amounts of information collected from users around the world. AI gathers data from the way people interact online—such as what they search, click, like, or watch—to predict and deliver content tailored specifically for each user.
Cookies
Cookies are small pieces of data saved in your browser when you visit websites. They help websites remember you, like keeping you logged in, but can also be used to track your online activities.
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
CSAM refers to images or videos that show children in sexual situations or being sexually exploited. This includes images or videos young people may create themselves (like sexting or sharing intimate pictures), which can be misused, shared without consent, or used to harm and exploit them. It is illegal for anyone to create, share, view, or keep this type of material.
Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA)
CSEA refers to crimes involving exploiting or harming young people for sexual purposes. This includes situations where someone tricks, pressures, or forces a child or teen to participate in sexual activities online or offline. It also covers self-generated sexual content (like intimate images or videos teens might share themselves), especially when it's shared without permission or used in a harmful or exploitative way by others.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying means using the internet or social media to hurt, embarrass, or threaten someone. It includes sending mean messages, sharing embarrassing photos, or spreading rumors online.
Data breach
Data breaches happen when private information stored by companies or websites gets exposed, stolen, or leaked online, often including emails, passwords, or financial details.
Deepfake
A deepfake is a video or image that uses AI to make someone look like they did or said something they never actually did. It can be used to mislead people, embarrass someone, or spread lies.
Digital Footprint
Your digital footprint is everything you post, share, or do online. Think of it like your online shadow; once it’s out there, it can be difficult or impossible to erase. It can affect your reputation later in life.
Disinformation
Disinformation is deliberately created false or misleading information shared online to trick or manipulate people intentionally.
Grooming
Grooming is when someone tries to build trust or an emotional connection with a young person online, usually pretending to be their friend, but planning to exploit, harm, or abuse them.
Malware
Malware (malicious software) refers to any harmful program designed to damage, disrupt, or spy on your device, including viruses, spyware, and ransomware.
Misinformation
Misinformation on social media refers to the unintentional spread of false or inaccurate information by users who believe it to be true. This differs from disinformation, which is deliberately deceptive.
Online predator
An online predator is someone who uses the internet to target young people, aiming to exploit, harm, or abuse them emotionally, physically, or sexually.
Phishing
Phishing is when someone pretends to be trustworthy (like a bank, social media platform, or friend) to trick you into giving away personal details like passwords or bank information, usually through fake emails or messages.
Privacy Settings
Privacy settings are controls provided by apps, websites, and social media platforms that allow you to choose who sees your posts, information, or profile online. Using them protects you from unwanted viewers or dangers.
Ransomware
Ransomware is malicious software that locks your device or files. The attacker then demands money to unlock your information or device.
Romance fraud
Romance fraud is when someone online pretends to love or care about another person to trick them into sending money, sharing personal information, or doing something harmful.
Sexting
Sexting is sending or receiving sexual or intimate messages, photos, or videos through phones or online. It can be risky because your messages or images might be shared without your consent.
Sextortion
Sextortion is when someone threatens to share your private or intimate pictures, videos, or information online unless you do what they want, usually demanding money, sex or more images.
Spyware
Spyware is software secretly installed on your device to monitor and track what you do online, stealing personal information like passwords and banking details without you knowing.
Technology facilitated violence and abuse
This refers to using digital tools (like phones, apps, or social media) to threaten, control, or harm someone else. Examples include cyberstalking, sharing intimate images without consent, or repeatedly harassing messages online.
Virus
A virus is a harmful software program designed to damage or disrupt your device. It spreads quickly and can destroy data, make your phone slow, or steal your information.