Core
Module
4
Human Relationship (II)
Foundation Part: Managing
Cyber-friendship
Learning points：
1.
2.
•
The characteristics, values and
possible risks of cyber-friendship
Ways to deal with and develop
cyber-friendship
Why would I wish for friends to
play and learn with me?
•
How can I make new friends?
This teaching exemplar focuses on exploring the relevant learning points
regarding making new friends through the internet and the development of such
friendship. Besides providing relevant foundation knowledge, the learning
activities also involve comparison of similarities as well as the development of
decision making and analytical abilities to enhance students’ generic skills. This
exemplar also provides extended reading and “To know more” sections to expand
students’ knowledge and learning about the topic. Extended activities are included
to cater for the diverse learning needs of students and to deepen learning.
Based on students’ learning interests and needs, teachers may choose suitable
activities to guide students in thinking and self-exploration, and to make wise
decisions, so that they may learn to manage cyber-friendship.
1
Multiple
Perspectives
Worksheet (1) : Importance of Friendship to
the Personal Development of Youths
Why do we need friendship? The following shows how different academic
disciplines/views understand friendship:
I agree with the views of
According to psychology,
humans have a need for
affiliation, that is, the need to
build and maintain
relationships with other
people. Through contact and
exchange with friends,
humans can obtain emotional
support and care.
Students may answer freely
I think friendship is
Students may answer freely
The philosopher Aristotle
suggested that there were
three types of friendship:
those of pleasure, those of
usefulness, and true
friendship. The first is
characteristic of the young
people, who are focused on
momentary enjoyment, while
the second is often the
province of the old, who need
assistance to cope with their
frailty. True friendship is to
share both joys and hardships.
In an age of economy, there
are two kinds of friendship:
consumption-based and
investment-based.
Consumption-based friendship
focuses on the pleasure the
relationships bring us.
Investment-based friendship,
on the other hand, expects that
the relationships will bring us
some return. However,
investing on friendship has its
risks, as “investors” may not
always be able to calculate
their gains and losses.
Anthropologists believe that
friends are given a unique
position in the human society.
As family cannot be changed,
neighbours are annoying and
colleagues might not be
congenial, friends are the only
element we have a choice over
in our lives. Studies also show
that people with friends lead
longer lives and are happier.
According to Sociology studies, nowadays the tight living spaces have changed the
traditional large family structure and weaken the relationships among relatives.
Instead, people rely upon friends to look out for each other, so friendship becomes
increasingly important in modern society.
2
Worksheet (2) : Changes in Ways of Making Friends
Ways of making friends and maintaining friendship through the ages
Views and studies in different disciplines affirm the values of friendship on the personal development,
gregarious community life and survival. For this reason, since the ancient times, humans have been
making friends and developing friendship through different means and ways. Do you know what
ways there are to make friends and to maintain, develop and strengthen friendships? How have these
ways changed over the years?
Past
Ways that exist
through ages:
Telephone
Letter
Daily contact
Pager
Mobile phone
Internet chat room/ forum/
e-mail
Introduced by
friends
Text messaging
Social networking websites
(Facebook/Twitter…)
Instant messaging software
(ICQ/MSN/Skype…)
Present
Pic 4.1
Ways of making friends and maintaining friendship past and present
3
1.
Arrange the following ways of communication according to their sequence of
appearance.
(Please write down 1, 2, 3,…in “
2.
” to show the sequence.)
1
Letter
4
Social networking websites (Facebook/Twitter/…)
3
Text messaging / instant messaging software / internet chat rooms / forums / e-mail
2
Telephone
Which of the above way(s) of communication is/are faster?
Students may answer freely
3. Which way(s) do you use most often?
Students may answer freely
From the past to the present days, there exists many ways of making friends and maintaining
friendship. Yet, there is one way that has remained unchanged since ancient times – face-to-face
contact. However, with the development of technology, a new way of friend-making has come into
existence: cyber-friendship.
4
Cyber-friendship ─ A New Way of Making
Friends Enabled by the Development in
Information and Communication Technology
The rapid development of the internet has not only brought people closer to one another but have
also given people nowadays many new ways of making friends. The diversity of available cyber
platforms has freed us from traditional face-to-face communication. Some teenagers even attempt to
go beyond their circles of daily living and make new friends in the virtual world.
Cyber-friendship refers to making friends in the internet world. Such friends usually have no prior
face-to-face exchange. This friendship is developed and maintained through the internet.
Nowadays, popular channels of cyber-friendship involve common social networking websites such
as Facebook, chat rooms, forums, instant messaging software and even online games.
On some common social networking websites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter etc.), users can set up a
personal information page to share their status, photo and event updates, so as to exchange with
friends their recent happenings. The websites also provide various mini games which users can
engage in together with their friends. These websites attract many young users, and have become an
important platform for entertainment and information-sharing among peers.
What are the features of this new way of friend-making
that attract so many youths? What should we be aware
of when making friends on the internet? Is
cyber-friendship really a must?
-
According to the Government statistics, up until 2009 Hong Kong had a netizen population of
over 4 million.
-
The statistics announced by Facebook showed that during 2008-2010 Hong Kong ranked 27 in
the world in terms of number of Facebook users. Up until the end of 2010 Hong Kong had 3.67
million Facebook users. Compared to 1.45 million users in 2008, there was a growth of 153%.
5
• More than 90% of junior secondary student interviewees had used
social networks
• More than half of the interviewees spent 1 to 3 hours a day on
social networks
• The most popular social networking websites were Facebook,
YouTube and forums
Situation of youths using social networking websites
A survey about “Youths using social networks” conducted by Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong
from February to March in 2010 showed that:
•
Nearly 60% of the interviewees spent 1 to 3 hours a day on social networks. 7% of them spent
over 5 hours;
•
About 46% of the youths have used social networks for over 3 years;
•
51.1% of the interviewees joined over 10 groups in social networking websites. 82% of them
agreed that the websites allowed them to learn more about current information and issues.
37.6% of them enjoyed voicing their opinions freely through groups;
•
Facebook was the most popular social networking websites, followed by YouTube and forums;
•
The users of social network are getting younger. In the past, senior secondary students made up
the majority. Half of the interviewees of this survey are junior secondary students aged from 12
to 15, and 90% of them have used social networks.
Source: Consolidated from news 24 May, 2010
6
Worksheet (3) : Characteristics of Cyber-friendship
The following are two stories from two different eras. Can you point out their differences in relation
to making friends?
1970s
Ming had forgotten to bring his
homework to school, so he was punished
by his teacher. After school, he went home
unhappily.
2010s
Fung had forgotten to bring his
homework to school, so he was punished
by his teacher. After school, he went home
unhappily.
On his way home, he visited Keung,
who lived in the same housing estate, to
vent his feelings. Keung’s cousins Chi
Ming and Ming Tak were staying at his
home for a few days, so they went to the
football pitch in their estate to play
football.
However, it started raining soon after
they have began playing. They went to a
store to borrow a phone and tell their
Upon arriving home, Fung turned on
the computer as usual and surfed the
internet. He logged on to his Facebook
account and updated his status. In just a
few minutes, his classmates responded and
asked what had happened and why he was
unhappy. A new cyber-friend even
uploaded a music video that Fung loved to
cheer him up.
Meanwhile, Fung wrote the things
family about the situation.
Meanwhile, Ming’s classmates Chi
Wah and Kim Hung had gone to Ming’s
home to comfort him and tutor him on the
homework, but Ming was not at home.
They left a note hoping that Ming would
contact them after he returned home.
Finally, after talking with friends and
playing sports, Ming felt a lot better.
happened today on his blog. This was
already the tenth time within the month he
wrote on the internet about how unhappy
he was about school classes.
In the evening, Fung left his room
reluctantly for dinner. After dinner and a
shower, Fung returned to the computer
finding more than ten comments waiting
for his response. After venting his feelings,
Fung felt a lot better.
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Comparison
Is making new friends
on the internet
absolutely necessary?
Times change, and ways of making friends between the past and the present are very different. Some
things are, however, still similar. Compare the characteristics of two types of friendship and see if
cyber-friends are really necessary for you.
Friends made in
traditional ways
Friends are brought
together through similar
interests e.g. playing
basketball
Feelings are shared
among friends
Thoughts and ideas are
affirmed by friends
A certain status is built up
among friends
Same
characteristics
Friends made on the
internet
Shared interests
Discussions are made in
internet groups because of
the shared interests e.g.
photography
Share feelings
Comments and views are
voiced through platforms
on the internet
Gain affirmation
Views posted on the
internet are supported by
netizens
Gain satisfaction
A certain status is built up
among cyber-friends, for
example becoming
“thread starters” or
“forum moderators”
Some people find developing friendship on the internet risky, and that it provides no real advantages
outside of traditional friendship. They argue that youths should put more time and effort to build
traditional friendship in order to gain true and lasting friends. Do you agree?
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The Uniqueness of Making Friends on the Internet
From the above activities, we find that cyber-friendship and traditional means of making friends
share many similarities. However, there are still unique points about making friends on the internet:
Connects people with common interests, but risky
Users can find cyber-friends by matching interests and hobbies. For example,
one can exchange opinions with people having the same interests in forums or
chat rooms dedicated to certain themes. However, we can often hear from the
news cases where young internet users suffer financial or even bodily harms
because they falsely believe their cyber-friends. In reality, there are many con-artists on the internet.
They use social networks to prey on young people who lack life experience.
Overcomes time and spatial constraints, but the reality is difficult to identify
Friends made face-to-face usually share the same living space. Friends made on
the internet are not limited by geography, so we can make friends with people
from different backgrounds and nationalities. However, as both sides rely on
textual exchange to learn about one another, it is difficult to judge whether the things said are true. If
a cyber-friend only exposes his/her good side and hides the bad, it may not be easy to learn about
his/her true personality.
Provides anonymous protection, but lacks a sense of reality
Some people think that making friends on the internet can provide anonymous protection. As there is
no risk of exposing one’s identity, some may find it easier to speak their true hearts in front of
cyber-friends. In traditional interpersonal relationship, appearance, education, property, ethnic and
other differences are all possible barriers in relationships, but when
communicating on the internet, everyone is equal.
Nevertheless, even if making friends on the internet can encourage the
sharing of true feelings and increase intimacy, humans are still social
animals and prefer actual contact to gain a sense of security. Exchanges
on the internet lack the display of facial expression, tone of speech and
other body language and are conducted only on a spiritual level without
actual group activities. A sense of intimacy is still absent.
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1.
What are the differences between making friends on the internet and through traditional
ways?
The differences between making friends on the internet and through traditional ways include:
• Making friends traditionally needs real contact (e.g. meeting face-to-face), but making
friends on the internet does not;
• Traditional ways are more limited by time and space than making friends on the internet;
• Making friends on the internet requires the use of tools such as computer hardware,
network service etc, but making friends through traditional ways doesn’t.
• Other acceptable answers.
2.
What are the benefits and limitations of the two modes of friend-making?
•
The benefits of making friends through traditional ways include real identity, intimacy of
face-to-face contact, etc. The limitations are time and space constraints, difficulty in
sharing feelings when meeting face-to-face etc.
•
The benefits of making friends on the internet are allowing contact with multiple
individuals at the same time and equal speaking opportunity etc. The limitations are
difficulty in learning the real identity of the individual and the need for information and
communication tools etc.
•
Other acceptable answers.
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3.
How will developing friendship on the internet influence personal development and
interpersonal relationship?
•
Developing friendship on the interent has positive impact on personal development and
interpersonal relationship such as broadening circle of friends ( exchanging with people
from different places) and providing spiritual comfort to others (eg. AIDS discussion
groups in America) etc.
•
However, it also has negative impact. For example, if a person falsely believes a
cyber-friend, he/she may be easily harmed by internet fraud. If a person indulges too
much in making cyber-friends, he/she may withdraw from the real world and may also
fear face-to-face contact.
•
Other acceptable answers.
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: Hello, Cyber-friend!
Making friends on the internet is similar to making friends in real life:
we should respect others and maintain rational communication.
However, anonymous communications have led to some
cyber-friends speaking and acting irresponsibly, even aggressively. In
some instances it has led to meaningless bickering and bullying. In
the internet world, we should be responsible netizens. We should be
polite and be considerate, and consider the possible long term effects
of our actions. The following are some of the proper attitudes of
online interaction for your reference:
Proper attitudes of cyber-friendship
(1) Be careful about one’s comments and tone of
speech on the internet
The internet is a public space. Comments of a personal or
private nature should not be posted on the internet.
Aggressive or abrasive wordings should be avoided, as
should embarrassing, disturbing or unsettling comments.
Humorous comments or jokes should be used carefully as
they are not aided by facial expressions or gestures, and
might lead to misunderstanding.
(2) Respect other’s right to freedom of speech
It is common that cyber-friends differ in views about certain issues. We should
respect the freedom of speech of others, and maintain rational communication
with cyber-friends. A harmonious atmosphere should be maintained despite
differences in opinion. Even if each side holds fast to their views, the discussion
should remain cordial, or else it would disrupt the harmony. If one encounters
quarreling or bullying online, one should not join in but rather try to stop it, in
order to discourage the spread of internet bullying.
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(3) Respect copyright
If one is downloading film, music,
applications or files from the internet,
one should take note whether they are
copyright protected so as to avoid
breaking the law. Also, if one is
quoting the comments of others, or
forwarding or reposting an article, the
source of the comment or article
should be specified.
(4) Respect the privacy of others
As the adage goes, “don't do unto others what you
don't want others do unto you” – we should exercise
empathy in treating other’s privacy. We should not
publicize the personal information of others on the
internet without permission, as it would cause them
unnecessary disturbance or harm. We also should
not hack into other’s computer system to steal files
or read other’s emails – this is not only an
infringement of privacy but is also against the law.
(5) Don’t spread rumours
Once spoken, words spread far and wide on the internet.
They are impossible to be taken back. That is why when
reposting or forwarding articles on the internet, we
should verify their accuracy so that we do not become
accomplices in spreading rumour. We should not spread
untruthful information on the internet, so that we do not
harm the reputation of others and suffer the consequences
of being charged with slander.
(6) Be forgiving and tolerant
If our cyber-friends type slowly or are
wrong about certain words or concepts,
we should be tolerant. Remember that
each of us was once a newcomer to the
internet world; we also had many things
we were ignorant about. We should be
forgiving towards mistakes others have
made, and should not take an arrogant
(7) Don’t engage in illegal activities
Do not easily believe false rumours on the
internet and join in activities of an illegal or
dubious nature. There is no such thing as a free
lunch, and we should remain vigilant to avoid
being taken advantage of by illegal entities, and
unwittingly engage in illegal activities. Also,
attitude. When correcting other’s
mistakes, we should be polite and
friendly, and communicate through
private means – rather than openly on the
internet.
despite one may hide his real name on the
internet, one’s virtual identity is traceable.
Crimes committed on the internet are subject to
prosecution and penalty. One should stay within
the boundaries of the law.
Adapted and translated from : 中小學網絡素養與認知
http://eteacher.edu.tw/ReadMatl.aspx?PostID=55
13
Internet-relevant articles in the Hong Kong Law
1.
Unauthorized access to computer by telecommunications, Chapter 106, Section 27A
Any person who, by telecommunications, knowingly causes a computer to perform any function
to obtain unauthorized access to any program or data held in a computer commits an offence
and is liable on conviction to a fine of $20,000.
2.
Access to computer with criminal or dishonest intent, Chapter 200, Section 161
Any person who obtains access to a computer with the following intent, whether on the same
occasion as he obtains such access or on any future occasion, commits an offence and is liable
to imprisonment for 5 years.
(i)
with intent to commit an offence
(ii) with a dishonest intent to deceive
(iii) with a view to dishonest gain for himself or another
(iv) with a dishonest intent to cause loss to another
3.
Copyright Ordinance, Chapter 528
Under the Copyright Ordinance, a person commits an offence if he/she, without the licence
permission of the copyright owner, distributes or sells an infringing copy of a copyright work
through uploading, downloading, posting or forwarding means. The maximum penalty is a fine
of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for 4 years.
4.
Defamation Ordinance, Chapter 21, Section 5
Any person who maliciously publishes any defamatory libel, knowing the same to be false, shall
be liable to imprisonment for 2 years, and, in addition, to pay such fine as the court may award.
In forums or on social networking websites, those insulting others with malicious intent, or
making unfounded claims which may damage the reputation of others, may be charged with
libel. If one’s actions on the internet threaten the personal safety of
the victim, he/she may be charged with criminal intimidation.
Source: “Be NetWise” Internet Education Resource Kit [Secondary
level] –“Be NetWise” Internet Education Activity Booklet [Junior
Secondary level], Hong Kong Federation Youth Groups, 2010.
14
Reading comprehension and application
Worksheet (4) : Risks of Making Friends on the Internet
Traps abound in cyber-friendship apps
IT experts point out that the diversity of internet friend-making platforms provides an easy and
convenient avenue for internet users to meet strangers. However, the lack of stringent personal
identification protocols in these platforms allows swindlers to use false information to conduct
fraudulent activities. The applications may also have unsolicited access to the phonebooks and photo
albums stored on the mobile phone. Internet users should be vigilant and guard against malicious
individuals.
Source: Consolidated from news on 26 November, 2012
Teachers may play the video clip of the simulated scenarios of the case below, so as to enhance
students’ understanding about the operation of the swindler and the police appeal:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=4j0RI42XcG8&feature=endscreen
Read carefully the following news summary about cyber-friendship, then complete the tasks
followed:
CU student fell victim to badger game when using MSN
3 of the accused sentenced to imprisonment, 1 to Detention Centre
A male student studying at Chinese University of Hong Kong was lured into a gambling fraud in
Macau by a lady he met on the internet. Afterwards, he was said to have accrued 100,000 in
gambling debts. He was taken back to Hong Kong and was illegally detained. Among the four
accused males involved, three were sentenced to imprisonment at District Court, and another to
Detention Centre.
The judge pointed out that the criminals had planned well ahead to lure the victim to Macau and
target his money. The police said that they received 16 reports on this kind of case in the latter half of
15
last year, in which the victim was lured to Macau and incurred heavy debts. The number of cases
increased to 24 in the first half of this year. The police said that they would place greater effort into
fighting such crimes.
Source: Consolidated from news 9 July, 2010
Court verdict(1)
In a case of an off-duty policeman raping a female
Court verdict(2)
cyber-friend, the judge urged youths to be careful
when making friends on the internet. They should
not attend dates with strangers alone in unfamiliar
places. Parents and education institutions should
also pay more attention to their children’s
cyber-friendships and supervise where necessary.
Source: Consolidated from news 20 January, 2009
In another case where a 14-year-old female
was cheated into having sexual intercourse
with a cyber-friend, the judge found these
crimes very serious. This was a typical
example which criminals took deliberate
advantage of immature and vulnerable
individuals using online channels. Children in
their teens are curious about sex, so they are
easily tempted, coerced and harmed. The
society should not neglect the dangers of
children falling into traps on the internet.
Source: Consolidated from news 30 January, 2010
Source: Consolidated from news on 30
January, 2010
Referring to Sources 1 and 2, complete the following task:
Write an appeal (not more than 150 words) for “Police Magazine” in order to remind youths of the
risks of cyber-friendship and list some reminders for them. You may consider the following
perspectives when writing the content:
1.
Who is the victim in the above news summary?
2.
What losses did the victim suffer?
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Special Appeal
Most of the victims in recent cases, when they made friends on the internet,
Students may answer freely
Therefore, the police urge youths to pay attention to the following points when making friends on the
internet in order to protect themselves:
1. Be vigilant at all times;
2. Never disclose your personal information;
3. Do not meet with cyber-friends alone or meet at quiet and remote locations.
If you have any doubts or sense any danger, you may
Students may answer freely
Or contact the police as soon as possible!
17
: Traps in Cyber-friendship
Common traps in cyber-friendship
Through gaining the trust of the victim or associating with the victim under false pretences, the
swindler cons the victim out of money or sexual favours. Below are the common traps:
The victim is
defrauded by
urging them to
make fake
investments
The victim’s
properties are
stolen, or the
borrower
disappeared after
borrowing
Using the excuse
that money is needed
for emergencies, the
victim is swindled
out of his/her money
The victim is
sexually
assaulted upon
meeting
Soliciting Sexual
favours/Sexual
assault
Money swindle/
blackmailing
Sensitive/private
photos or videos of the
victim are obtained
under false pretenses,
which are then used to
blackmail money
The victim is
illegally detained
after meeting, then
he/she or his/her
family is
blackmailed
Pic 4.2 Common traps in cyber-friendship
Source: Consolidated from news on 26 November, 2012
18
Sensitive/private
photos or videos of the
victim are obtained
under false pretenses,
which are then used to
coerce him/her for
sexual favours.
: Taking Charge when Making Friends on the Internet
The people and things that appear in the cyber world
3S Strategy
might not be real. Some people intentionally create false
personal identities and information, or to make
If we run into uncertain situations or
convenient use of cyber-friendship to engage in all
dilemmas, we can apply the 3S
manners of fraud and scams. If we are careless about
Strategy:
disclosing our information or meeting cyber-friends, we
might fall into cyber traps.
Stop responding ─ When talking
We should be vigilant and be aware of the following
about embarrassing or uncomfortable
points when making friends on the internet:
topics, you can choose not to respond.
Friendship builds on continuous and in-depth
understanding
No matter one develops friendship on the internet or in
Save information or evidence ─
reality, youths should learn about the character,
This is for self-protection and makes
personality and values of the other person(s) continuously
it possible for following up and
and in depth. If not, we would remain trapped in
tracking afterwards.
delusions and self-satisfying sentiments. There are many
risks about cyber-friendship which only emphasizes on
feelings rather than true interaction and understanding.
Thus we must not make friends and trust strangers on the
Share ─ Ask for help from
internet easily.
trustworthy adults. Let them help you
analyse the situation and give advice
Be vigilant against dangers and risks
for making safe and rational
Be always vigilant when making new friends on the
decisions.
internet. As we cannot be sure of the identity of these
individuals and their purpose of associating with us, we
Pic 4.3
3S Strategy
should remain cautious and rational when talking to them. Do not disclose personal information. We
should not readily accept invitations to attend parties during festivals, or else we might fall into cyber
traps.
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Ask for advice
Exchange on the internet happens mostly
between two persons. Youths may find it
difficult to distinguish what is real, and
5 “Don’ts” in meeting cyber-friends
might be too confident about our judgment
of the character of cyber-friends, which
can lead to our associating with the wrong
people. Therefore, when we have doubts
Say NO when you come across the following
situations:
1.
or other quiet places;
about the motive or intention of our
cyber-friends, we should ask for help from
2.
The other person wants you to act too
intimately or against your principles;
relatives, friends or teachers. We should
not decide rashly on our own.
The other person asks to meet at home, hotel
3.
The other person asks you to participate in
illegal activities or fraud;
Make every decision carefully
4.
drinking and abusing drugs; or
We are usually required to make many
choices before coming to a decision. We
also need to consider many factors in
making these choices. Each factor has its
The other person urges you to try smoking,
5.
The other person invites you to leave Hong
Kong.
Pic 4.4
Meeting with cyber-friends－5 “Don’ts”
relative importance, and when weighing
these factors, we need to determine their importance. If youths can approach a problem from
different perspectives, they have a higher chance of making wise decisions and lowering the risk of
making regrettable ones.
Actively develop interpersonal relationships
One of the life goals of youths is to build up a self-image and develop interpersonal relationships. If
youths fail to build up interpersonal relationships in reality and become overly-dependent on
cyber-friendship, this may affect their mental and physical development. Some studies have pointed
out that a cyber-social life can lead to internet addiction, which may cause one to become reclusive
and distanced from classmates and family. It will also weaken one’s communication skills.
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The advancement in technology has led to great changes in communication
between people. Through the internet, making friends is no longer limited to
face-to-face contact. We can liaise across great distances with people around the world
and build up friendships.
When making friends, we should be aware that good interpersonal relationships
are founded on mutual trust, and that trust is developed from thorough understanding.
The identities of cyber-friends are unknown, and without deep understanding, placing
blind trust in them may bring great risk.
Moreover, many internet studies have shown that there is more harm than good
for youths to indulge themselves in the cyber world. Without real interaction and
communication, it is difficult to develop long-lasting and reliable friendships on the
internet. Youths should broaden their social network in daily life such as through
joining voluntary work, uniformed units, sports teams, and so on. Through these ways
one makes new and real friends who share common interests.
Youths should not try to make friends on the internet just because they want to
act as others do. Cyber-friends are not necessities in our lives. It would not be a big
loss to have no cyber-friends. However, if youths do choose to make friends on the
internet, they need to know how to protect themselves from harm.
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Creative thinking
Extended Activity I: Creating your Comic
In worksheet(4): Risks of Making Friends on the Internet, we mentioned an incident about
cyber-friends. Referring to the news summary, design a four-panel comic to advise youths about the
dangers of making friends on the internet and alert them of the points to pay attention to.


Students may create freely


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Extended Activity II:
Youth and Cyber-friendship – Her Story
Decision-making
Ability
How to make a decision?
In Worksheet(4): Risks of Making Friends on the Internet, we have learnt about the potential dangers
of making friends on the internet. Now, analyse the following scenarios to see if the character may
put herself in danger.
Suppose you were the main character, what would you choose to do?
One day when Mei was using Facebook to chat with friends, a stranger (Net name: Leo) invited her
to be his cyber-friend. Mei thought, “There’s nothing bad to know one more friend! We don’t
need to see each other, so there is nothing to lose!”
Leo : Hello! Are you studying Secondary 2? Me too!
Add me to your friend list so we can chat!
Mei : I have added you!
Two weeks later…
Leo : I have a sister studying primary school. She’s noisy all the day!
Who are your family members? Where’re you studying?
Mei : …
Teachers may use the powerpoint attached to this
teaching exemplar to conduct the learning activity.
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What are the choices?
Choice 1: Answer
honestly
Choice 2: Provide
false information
Choice 3: Students may
answer freely
What to consider?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Why does he want to know about my personal information?
What effects will it bring if I disclose my personal information?
Is providing false information a problem?
Students may answer freely
My decision
Please “” your choice.
○ Answer honestly
○ Provide false information
○ Others：Students may answer freely
Why do I make this decision?
My major consideration(s) when making the decision is/are:
Students may answer freely
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★ Try your best to find out about the truth.
★ Ask yourself what information you have obtained from time
to time.
★ Make good use of time to find out more information so as to
get closer to the truth.
★ Make decisions only after hearing different advice and make
sure you have sufficient information.
Mei : I’m studying at Heung Shing Secondary School!
Leo : What a coincidence! I study at Lok Lok
Secondary School. Our schools are near. What
about having lunch together on Monday? Hey,
I saw your photos in Facebook. I can go to
your school and take you to fast food. We can
exchange our mobile phone number so that we
can keep in touch. My number is 1234 1234.
What about yours?
Mei : …
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What are the choices?
Choice 1: Accept the
invitation and give your
mobile phone number
Choice 2: Decline the
invitation but give your
mobile phone number
Choice 3: Students may
answer freely
What to consider?
1. Why does he want to meet me?
2. Students may answer freely
My decision
Please “” in the appropriate circle to indicate your choice.
○ Accept the invitation and give your mobile phone number
○ Decline the invitation but give your mobile phone number
○ Others：Students may answer freely
Why do I make this decision?
My major consideration(s) when making the decision is/are:
Students may answer freely
26
Mei : Okay! My mobile phone number is 2345 2345!
On the day they met, Mei suddenly received Leo’s message…
Leo’s message :
Mei, I’m Leo. I’m sorry. As my lesson has ended late, I
can’t come to your school. I’ve bought lunch boxes. How
about having lunch together at a nearby park? I’ll wait for
you!
Mei : …
What are the choices?
Choice 1: Go to the
park for the date
Choice 2: Decline
the invitation
What to consider?
1. Is it safe to meet at the park near the school?
2. Students may answer freely
My decision
Please “” in the appropriate circle to indicate your choice.
○ Go to the park for the date
○ Decline the invitation
○ Others：Students may answer freely
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Choice 3: Students may
answer freely
Why do I make this decision?
My major consideration(s) when making the decision is/are:
Students may answer freely
Although Mei found it a little disturbing, she was worried that Leo would be disappointed if she
rejected the date. Therefore, she decided finally to go to the park. When Mei arrived to the park,
she found that the place was very quiet …
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What are the choices?
Choice 2: Leave
immediately
Choice 1: Stay
Choice 3: Students may
answer freely
What to consider?
1. Is the place I am staying safe? How can I protect myself?
2. Students may answer freely
My decision
Please “” in the appropriate circle to indicate your choice.
○ Stay
○ Leave immediately
○ Others：Students may answer freely
Why do I make this decision?
My major consideration(s) when making the decision is/are:
Students may answer freely
29
In the story, was the main character Mei gradually lured into a dangerous trap? Let us
analyse the development of the story carefully so as to expose the dangers within:
Scenario 1: Cyber-friend Leo gave his personal information first
to win the trust from Mei. He asked for her personal
information using excuses, but Mei was careless as
she thought that “there’s nothing bad to know one
more friend! We don’t need to see each other, so
there is nothing to lose!”
Scenario 2: Leo intentionally checked Mei’s personal
information (e.g. family background, Mei’s school
and photos) and then invited her to have lunch
together. He made use of the chance to get her
mobile phone number.
Scenario 3: Leo made an excuse to change the lunch location (to
a park). Mei was forced to decide within a short
time.
Scenario 4: Finally, Mei was lured to a very quiet place (the park)
for the date.
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1.
Can you point out the potential dangers in each stage of Mei’s exchange with the other person?
Suggested answer:
Scenario 1： Mei put herself at risk by providing personal information to a stranger.
Scenario 2： It was suspicious for Leo to check the school Mei was studying at.
She agreed to have lunch with him alone and this put herself in danger. Giving
the mobile phone number to a stranger led to further leaks of personal
information.
Scenario 3： The meeting place was suddenly changed which forced Mei to reply within a
short time.
Scenario 4： The place was a quiet park, which greatly raised the dangers of Mei meeting with
a stranger. It would be difficult for Mei to get help in case of danger.
2.
In the beginning when Mei agreed to have lunch with Leo, she might have considered the issue
of safety. However, why did she end up meeting Leo at a quiet park?
Suggested answer:
Leo made last-minute excuses to change the place for lunch. Mei might think that it was not
good to reject him as she had already accepted his invitation, so she agreed to meet at a new
place. This way, Mei was easily led to a dangerous location without realising it.
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Analytical
Ability
Extended Activity III:
Youth and Cyber-friendship – His Story
Many may know that when making friends on the internet, we might encounter people with bad
intentions. There are some youths who would still take risks and meet unidentified cyber-friends
because they provide opportunities for free food, drink, games and entertainment. Often they
overestimate their ability to judge a cyber-friend, and this may lead to losses or harm. Those with bad
intentions are armed with many tricks, and would take advantage of our every careless slip. Now let
us watch a re-enacted scenario of a real case, and reveal the scam within.
Teachers may use the PowerPoint attached to this teaching exemplar to conduct the learning activity.
Suggestions to teachers:
(1) Teacher first introduce to students “I. Character chart”, so that students will get a
better picture of the characters involved in the video and the points to note.
Teacher should then remind students to fill in only the empty spaces on the left of
“II. Revealing the fraud” and “III. Police appeal” and leave “Thought
questions” for later discussion.
(2) Students watch the video “Cyber-friendship Scams” (Police Magazine), then
complete part of the worksheet;
Introduction of the video: A teenage was invited by a mainland cyber-friend to
meet on the mainland, and was swindled out of large sums of money (5’11”)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IdRqS4_dLw;
(3) Teacher and students discuss the information of “I. Character chart”. Teacher
then asks students to discuss in groups the boxes on the left of “II. Revealing the
fraud” and “III. Police appeal”, as well as the “Thought questions”;
(4) The whole class engages in discussion. Then, teacher asks students to write down
their personal reflections and share with their neighbouring classmates.
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Con artist 1
Sex : Female
Identity : Cyber-friend
Place of living : Mainland
Met through : Online exchange
Accomplice
Accomplice
Main character
Sex : Male
Identity : Cyber-friend
Place of living : Hong Kong
Met through :
Met through :
Pub on the mainland
Pub on the mainland
Con artist 1
Con artist 1
Sex : Female
Identity : Bartender
Sex : Male
Accomplice
Place of living : Mainland
Identity : Pub owner
Place of living : Mainland
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Watch the video and fill in suitable information in the space provided. Thought questions may be
answered later during group discussions.
Pub on the mainland
Thought questions:
1.1 Why do you think the main character did not find it alarming that the con artist has invited
him to meet on the mainland?
Students may answer freely, for example:
- The main character believed that being a man, even he met the wrong person, he would
suffer no great loss;
- The main character overestimated his ability to judge the character of the cyber-friend or to
deal with a crisis;
- The main character did not realise the dangers of meeting with a stranger outside Hong
Kong;
- Other acceptable answers.
1.2 What are the risks of meeting a stranger outside Hong Kong?
Students may answer freely, for example:
- If one encounters danger or personal threat outside of Hong Kong, it is difficult to find
immediate help, thus the risks would be great;
- If one is harmed or falls victim to fraud outside Hong Kong, one may not receive timely
assistance from various departments such as the law enforcement or the medical units;
- Other acceptable answers.
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First trick:
The female cyber-friend took the
main character to the pub and asked
him to drink alcohol
Thought questions:
Countering the tricks – The first trick:
2.1 Why do you think that the main character was not suspicious about “the first trick”?
Students may answer freely, for example:
- He was attracted by the female cyber-friend and had lowered his alert and sense of
self-protection;
- Other acceptable answers.
2.2 If you were the main character, how would you respond?
Students may answer freely, for example:
- If I were the main character, I would refuse to go to the pub from the beginning. It is
because one must be on alert when meeting a stranger outside Hong Kong, and drinking
alcohol would impair one’s judgment and lower one’s ability to resist, and cause danger;
- If I were the main character, I would ask about the price first. If the price is unreasonable, I
would suggest going to other places;
- Other acceptable answers.
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Second Trick:
The female cyber-friend kept urging
Thought questions:
the main character to drink alcohol
Countering the tricks – The second trick:
2.3 Why do you think the female cyber-friend kept
urging the main character to do “that”?
Students may answer freely, for example:
- The female cyber-friend kept urging the main character to drink alcohol because it
would allow her to con him out of large sums of money;
- The female cyber-friend kept urging the main character to drink alcohol because
the main character, under the influence of large amounts of alcohol, would lower
his guard and be easily coerced into obeying her;
- Other acceptable answers.
2.4 If you are the main character, how would you respond?
Students may answer freely, for example:
- If I were the main character, I would make an excuse that I
was feeling unwell, and refused to drink alcohol;
- Other acceptable answers.
Third trick:
When the main character refused to
Thought question:
Countering the tricks – The third trick:
pay the unreasonably expensive bill,
2.5 If you are the main character, how would you
the con artists threatened him and
respond?
coerced him to pay.
Students may answer freely, for example:
- If I were the main character, I would make an excuse saying that I did not have enough
cash, and had to go to the ATM to withdraw cash. Then, under safe circumstances, I would
try to escape or seek help from locals or the law enforcement.
- Other acceptable answers.
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Watch the video and fill in suitable information in the spaces provided. “Thought questions” may be
answered later during group discussion.
Three things to note about making friends online
1. Whether you are male or female, try not to attend dates with strangers;
2. If meeting is necessary, it is better to have one or two friends accompany
you. Even if incidents occur, you can get help;
3. If you are asked to leave Hong Kong to meet on the mainland or at other
places, you should carefully consider before making a decision.
Thought question:
Before the end of the video, the police raised two questions: (i) Are the words of the cyber-friends
believable? (ii) How much do you know about their real identities and background?
If the main character had considered these two questions before meeting the cyber-friend, would the
outcome be different?
Students may answer freely, for example:
- Before meeting the cyber-friend, if the main character realised that he knew little about her and
that he could not determine whether she was telling the truth, he would not have easily agreed to
meet on the mainland. Even if he did go, he would have been on alert and would not have been
easily persuaded into drinking so much wine.
- Other acceptable answers
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My reflections
Write down three most valuable learning points for this activity, then share with
your neighbouring classmate.
Students may answer freely.
Teachers may also select the video clips below for class discussion:
 Police Magazine – Cyber-friendship scams : Teenage Girl Assaulted (4’31”)
- Introduction: A teenage girl was assaulted after being lured to a private place by a
middle-aged man using a false identity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1pU7A7e9gY
 Police Magazine - Cyber-friendship scams : Fraud and Blackmail (10’30”)
- Introduction: Two women were suffered from cyber scams – one from fraud, the
other blackmailed using nude photographs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKpGef7vPng
 Police Magazine – Cyber Swindler : Internet Fraud (9’54”)
- Introduction: A swindler became acquainted with the female victim online and
swindled her money through “fortune-telling scam”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5K_rf2zJPY

u21.hk of Hong Kong Federation Youth Groups – Youth @Digital TV –
Cyber Age series: Youth and Cyber-friendship (6’31”)
- Introduction: The first part of the video described a teenage girl chatting with a
cyber-friend (whom she had not met) and they called each other intimate names.
Later the cyber-friend asked her to go out, and the teenage girl hesitated about
whether she should go. In the second part, three youths voiced their opinions about
the attitude that the girl displayed in the first part about cyber-friendship.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zg5qRYp7GpQ
Other useful resources:
“Be NetWise” Internet Education Resource Kit [Secondary level],
Hong Kong Federation Youth Groups, 2010.
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