The “Three Places” Model
A Friendly Guide to Navigating the Online World
Does Tech ever feel like a different language? You’re not alone! Technology moves fast, but you don’t need to be a "techie" to stay safe and connected.
Think of this as your "Digital Compass"—a simple way to navigate the online world without the headache.
The "Three Places" Rule
To keep things simple, imagine your digital life is just like your physical life:
Your Device is Your House: Your phone or tablet is your private space. Just like you lock your front door at night, keep a passcode on your phone to keep your photos and messages safe.
The Internet is The Public Square: When you open a web browser, you’re "going out." Most places are great, but just like walking through a busy city, you stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.
Your Accounts are Your Keys: Your email, bank login, and Amazon account are your digital identity. You wouldn't hand your house keys to a stranger—treat your passwords and security codes with that same care!
The Digital Traffic Light
Not sure if a message or website is safe? Use this simple traffic light rule:
🟢 Green Light (Safe): Websites you visit often (like your bank or the news) and messages from family members you were expecting to hear from.
🟡 Yellow Light (Caution): An unexpected email or a "pop-up" window saying you won a prize. Don't click yet! Take a breath, pause, and look closer.
🔴 Red Light (Stop!): Anyone asking for passwords, gift cards, or money. Also, ignore those scary "Your account will be closed today!" warnings. Real companies will never rush or threaten you.
Three Habits for a Happy Phone
You don't need to know every button to be a pro. Just remember these three things:
Slow Down: Scammers want you to panic. If a message says "Act Now!", do the opposite—put the phone down and grab a cup of tea.
Keep it Simple: You don't need 100 apps. Only keep the ones you actually use. Less clutter means fewer things to worry about.
It’s Okay to Ask: Technology isn't always "common sense." If you get stuck, asking a friend, a neighbor, or a pro is the smartest thing you can do.
The Bottom Line
"My phone is my home, the internet is a public park, and my passwords are my keys. I’ll move at my own pace and follow the traffic lights!"